Elul 5780 / September 2020
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MASKS
Up close with the Hatzolah Team.
Hatzolah front cover rev2.indd 1 2020/08/17 08:00 16776_Hatzolah_Dischem Advert 2020_final_P.indd 2 2020/07/08 15:39 Contents Page SeptemberPoker 9 2020 2020 has been a year that the majority of the world will want to put behind them. For Hatzolah not only has it been one of its Hatzolahmost challenging, well Call beyond anyone’sStatistics expectations, 2019/2020 it has also been the year of Hatzolah poker 9 Hosted by Investec for Business. Poker 9, probably the last major charity event in South Africa of 2020, once again broke records in terms of July August September October November December January February March April May June attendance. 37 tables, with over 330 players ensured that Hatzolah raised in excess of the forecasted amount. Investec for Business,Total 226Romain230 and Adam 177 Orlin and194 Antony Meltzer227 have202 put their191 support 194behind this182 event 158 since 154 inception 209 and it continuesCalls to be the most sought after charity event to attend on the annual calendar. Our gratitude goes out to our sponsors,Average players, 7.3 table 7.4 helpers5.9 and all others6.3 involved7.6 for making6.5 the event 6.2 the success 6.7 that5.9 it is. 5.3 5.0 7.0 per day
Team Builder - Page 6 Poker 9 - Page 8 www.insigniaadvertising.co.za 1 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Cycle Tour - Page 17 16721_HATZ_DPS_Full time team_Final.p.indd 1 Full Time Team2020/08/0316721_HATZ_DPS_Full 08:43 time team_Final.p.indd 2 - Page 46 2020/08/03 08:43
Editor: Sharon Newfield Photography: Jason Crouse Photography 082 904 1877 Layout: Elisheva Forman Copywriters: Robyn Kahlberg Robyn Shapiro Branding & Ads: Insignia Advertising Hatzolah during the Pandemic www.insigniaadvertising.co.za Page 63
1 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Hatzolah Medical Rescue JHB @HatzolahSA @hatzolahsa
29 Durham Street, Raedene Tel (Office): 0860 100 101, [email protected], www.hatzolah.co.za Message From The Chairman Lance Abramson
Never in our wildest dreams when we started into 2020 did we think we would find ourselves at the front line against a global pandemic.
This required an enormous amount of effort, energy and expense to be put into COVID protocols, training our teams to be able to deal with COVID patients and equipping them with the necessary equipment to do this.
This included the purchase of large amounts of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for the medics – gloves, masks, isolation suits etc, as well as special decontamination equipment to clean and decontaminate the ambulances and equipment after transporting a COVID patient. Other specialised equipment was also required to be able to treat COVID patients, for example Video Laryngoscopes to allow our paramedics to intubate a patient where required without having to place their face next to the patient’s face.
We also had to hire dedicated ambulance decontamination teams to get the ambulances onto the road quicker after a COVID callout.
Additionally, we launched a number of COVID specific projects at this time. Our COVID Emotional Support Line is manned by our crisis response team members. The line is for callers requiring assistance in dealing with anxiety and depression brought on by these difficult times (see page 75 for more details).
The COVID Home Wellness Monitoring Programme is for patients who have been tested positive and are isolated at home. Their vital signs are monitored allowing informed treatment decisions to be taken together with their personal treating doctor. We have three nurses on the road all day visiting the more unwell patients. The nurses are able to do blood tests, run ECGs and generally conduct a more thorough examination of the patients. When the number of patients soared we had over 50 people working on this programme. This project has been particularly successful and praised in the medical fraternity. (see page 63 for more details)
The Hatzolah Assist project was launched to safely transport patients to hospital who are COVID positive but do not require an ambulance and have no other way of getting there due to their infectious status as well as to transport the nurses around. In all four vehicles were placed on the road.
Of course all of this costs money and our expenses over this COVID period have soared.
A very special mention must go out to our dispatchers and especially to our responders who stood up bravely to be counted in the face of the pandemic. These are true super heroes who did not flinch when it came to treating numerous COVID patients and it is truly amazing to see these legendary volunteers suited up and assisting COVID positive members of our community that need their assistance. May they be blessed!
On behalf of Hatzolah I wish the community a Shanah Tovah Umetukah, may the new year bring much needed health and peace in these difficult times!
1 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Message From Rabbi & Rebbetzin Auerbach
On 21 May at around 8pm I was on the phone to my sister in New York in the kitchen when my husband came running in to tell me that there was a fire in our bedroom. I hung up the phone, walked to our bedroom and realised that there was no way in the world that we could extinguish the fire. My immediate reaction was “Call Hatzolah”.
We are sure that the scenario, in different emergency situations, has been repeated thousands of times over the last few years - with the identical reaction “Call Hatzolah”.
And sure enough, Hatzolah arrived in minutes, along with an amazing fire brigade and tried to put out the fire. Soon there were four fire engines and many Hatzolah guys - too many to count and additionally CSO and ZAKA. There were actually hundreds of people on Julia Street watching this massive fire burning our home down. My wonderful neighbours brought me a chair, a cup of tea and a blanket and while I watched our house burn, I said, “This is a brocha, this is chessed. Whatever Hashem does is good”.
We were completely embraced by the Hatzolah guys, who were with us every minute of these hours sitting outside on Julia Street until the fire was finally extinguished, having destroyed our home almost in its entirety.
We have no words for these young and not so young men. They are brave and fearless and kind, selfless and motivated to the nth degree to assist our Jewish community in our times of need.
This is not even mentioning their unbelievable involvement in helping all the people with COVID-19. There are not enough words in the English dictionary to thank the Hatzolah members for all the chessed they have done for our community over the past few months. All we can say is thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
2 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Message From The Chief Rabbi Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein
Like Angels of Hashem
When I think of Hatzolah, this verse from Tehillim comes to mind: “May Hashem bless His angels, warriors of strength, who fulfil His word.”
Our sages say that the angels of Hashem referred to here are people who show awesome strength and commitment to do a mitzvah, even at great personal sacrifice. The Midrash offers as an example the case of a farmer who watches his land lie fallow during the Sabbatical year, a period during which the Torah requires that all agricultural activity ceases. It’s a mitzvah that requires deep faith and trust in G-d, especially for a farmer who depends on agriculture for his livelihood.
The brave, selfless men and women of Hatzolah embody this verse. They, too, are truly like angels of Hashem, “warriors of strength, who fulfil His word” for their ability to put themselves aside completely for a greater cause.
They respond to the call for help any time of day or night, leaving their families, sometimes even risking their lives, to come to the aid of another. And its not just the responders; it’s the dispatchers, all the staff, the generous donors, the dedicated volunteer board – the entire team who sacrifice so much time and effort and resources for the sake of the community.
Hatzolah has always been there for us over the years. But during the current COVID-19 crisis, the organisation has taken its service to our community to a new level. They’ve gone beyond the call of duty, beyond what can reasonably be expected, and they’ve risked their lives every day doing so.
This latest crisis has, once again, underlined how indispensable Hatzolah is. Always there in times of need. Always listening when someone calls for help. Always ready to catch us if we fall. The word hatzolah means “saving”, and true to their name, they have been literal lifesavers for our community. Life would be unthinkable without Hatzolah.
May Hashem continue to bless His angels.
3 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Message From The Executive GM Darren Kahn
I joined Hatzolah in September 2019 after being in the corporate environment for nearly 20 years. For all those years all I heard was - what profits are we making? Did we achieve our budget? What is the bottom line?
After only a few days at Hatzolah, my concerns of leaving the corporate environment to enter a community organisation dissipated. Our bottom line is saving lives. It is an absolute privilege to be part of this.
As for all new beginnings one may have certain expectations. What I have seen and experienced over the last few months at Hatzolah have certainly surpassed all of mine. This is a well-run and efficient organisation, which is continually improving and evolving. The high level of training, professionalism and use of the latest advanced equipment is what makes us one of the best emergency services around.
I have seen it firsthand that we at Hatzolah live by our marketing slogan, we really do care! Our concern and care for our community extends way beyond being solely an emergency medical service. It is this care which has made my transition so comfortable and easy.
I have an amazing dedicated and driven full-time team, which makes it a pleasure to come to work each day. I am very fortunate to have an extremely committed, supportive, selfless management team whom over the years have built Hatzolah into what it is today.
Our volunteer responders, dispatchers and crisis support team are made up of a diverse array of individuals. They give so much of their time selflessly and have so much passion for what they do.
The last few months have been a total whirlwind. From Poker 2020 to Cycle Tour 2020 and now through COVID-19, which has brought our organisation into the front line of the pandemic, being part of running this amazing organisation has been a complete honour.
I would like to thank our entire team for putting yourselves out there in such trying times as well as for your total commitment to Hatzolah over the last year.
To the entire community I wish you all a Shanah Tovah. May Hashem look after and bless everyone.
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Team Builder 2019
Poker 9
2020 has been a year that the majority of the world will want to put behind them. For Hatzolah, not only has it been one of its most challenging, well beyond anyone’s expectations, it has also been the year of Hatzolah Poker 9 hosted by Investec for Business. Poker 9, probably the last major charity event in South Africa of 2020, once again broke records in terms of attendance. 37 tables, with over 330 players, ensured that Hatzolah raised in excess of the forecasted amount. Investec for Business, Romain and Adam Orlin and Antony Meltzer have put their support behind this event since inception and it continues to be the most sought after charity event to attend on the annual calendar. Our gratitude goes out to our sponsors, players, table helpers and all others involved in making the event the success that it continues to be.
Thank You Letters
Good morning, a team Thank YOU for helping About 3 months ago of knights in shining my dad on Sunday my daughter Xxxx and armour arrived on at Genesis shopping her little daughter Saturday afternoon at my centre. YOU guys went above were involved in a terrible car mom’s house, in Waverley within five minutes of my call and beyond your call of crash. BH they were ok. Avi being logged with Hatzolah. The duty. The care, compassion, Joseph and his team arrived care, compassion and absolute willingness, and total on the scene and took them professionalism displayed by control of the situation was to hospital. He and the team your team was heart-warming incredible. Each one of you were absolutely outstanding and so very appreciated. Thank was so appreciated. It really and we appreciate them, you so much for your brilliant meant the world to me. I and Hatzolah so much. service, for being there and above all for assisting my Mom. HONESTLY CAN’T THANK This is an overdue “thank Be well, take care and may YOU ENOUGH. you” and we have made an Hashem bless you and yours overdue donation. forever.
We would like to thank your responders who came out to assist my son Xxxxx, who had injured his leg. The guys who came were Craig Stollard, Avi Joseph and Avigdor Hack. As I am unable to thank them personally please can this message be forwarded to them. “Thanks guys. You were really amazing. Your caring and compassion to a very difficult situation was incredible. The professional manner in which you handled the medical side of things as well as your amazing helpful and caring way you worked through this with Xxxx who was in agony was beyond words. We are so blessed in our community to be able to get this. You arrived so quickly and worked with focus and logic. Thanks to Avigdor Hack for arriving to do what he had to. Words fail me as to how to say thank you for your dedication and huge assistance. Xxxxx unfortunately had bleeding into the joints and even after morphine was very sore. He has been admitted to Linksfield clinic and is being monitored before a really intense operation which will hopefully be next week. It’s an awful time for this to happen and I’m devastated not to be able to see him. Life happens. Huge thanks again. Can someone please provide me with bank details. Hatzolah have always been my first choice to donate and we have received assistance previously as well. Always with a smile and compassion Keep up the amazing work. May you all be blessed.
Hi, we would like to This is just a thank you I would like to compliment please pass on a very to your unbelievable and thank your emergency big thank you to the team, Yudi Singer, ambulance helpers for paramedics who came to our Warren Katz, Chaim their expert and compassionate home in Glenhazel on Friday Schneider & Eli Lewenstein, treatment of my wife, Xxxxxxxx, night, to treat our son. They that helped my son during when they transported her on were unreal and we are really respiratory distress. Sunday, 12 April to the Sunninghill hospital and on Monday, 20 April appreciative to have had such As a mother, words cannot caliber people at our home and to the Milpark hospital, when on express my sincere gratitude both occasions she was unable to completely privileged to have an for all your help. Your kind, sit in a car due to a severe back organisation like Hatzolah in SA!!! caring, supportive and problem. Hatzolah is an amazing Please pass on our sincere thanks professional way you work organisation and the Jewish to the gents; we subsequently was exceptional. community is privileged to have took our son Xxxxx to Sunninghill May Hashem always help the wonderful services of the hospital as recommended, he you to save lives and bless dedicated and compassionate unfortunately had a further you all with abundance of people who are involved with seizure whilst at hospital and we brocha for the righteous Hatzolah. are monitoring the situation very hold work you do. carefully of course and hoping for Thank you is not enough. the best outcome pls G-D!
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Having volunteered at Hatzolah for just a short time I I would just like to thank the am acutely aware of how professional and polished every responders that came out to my aspect of this organisation is. I thankfully have not had home on Saturday the 30th of to experience this 1st hand until Sunday night when my husband May.They literally saved my life. They unfortunately had a heart attack. If it were not for Hashems were so professional, kind and caring. I gentle hand and the swift response of the entire team Natanya also appreciate how calm they were and Joseph, Uriel Rosen, Craig Stollard, Rael Jankelowitz, Ari Yuter managed not to panic my children and and Rafi Jude, my children and I would not have Xxxx with us my husband, while firmly ensuring that I today. Enormous gratitude for the TLC shown by everyone in followed their instructions and went with this special Hatzolah family. In this time of crazy COVID 19 and them to the hospital. I landed up having a isolation I was not allowed in the hospital but never once was I full blown coronary heart attack, and it is alone. My family and I will never have the words to adequately thanks to them that I am alive. show our gratitude. May Hashem bless you all wishing you and I think their names were: Josh Green, Avi your families a good and peaceful Yom Tov. Joseph & Ashira Sackstein Please could you express my thanks
Yesterday while my kids were at home and my husband and I were at work, my baby hurt her finger. My husband phoned you after our 8-year-old called to tell us the baby was bleeding from her finger and my nanny was attending to her. You got to our house before my husband had even arrived. You took control over the situation and were patient and caring. Not being home for such an accident, as the Mother, I was understandably feeling immense guilt. HOWEVER, knowing your responsible, caring, paramedics were there gave me menhuchas hanefesh that was invaluable. They spoke to me over the phone, were patient while we decided which hospital to take her to, waited at the hospital to be sure we were settled, and even located the missing part of her finger (bH I didn’t have to be the one to find it). I want your incredible team to know that my baby had an operation at 6:30 last night to stitch her up and use the piece of nail they found as the biological dressing for her. This was the best possible outcome as far as the plastic surgeon was concerned. My baby and I came home around 11:30 last night. Thank G-d it could’ve been SO much worse but for what it was, it was awful. My husband and I are forever grateful for your team that came so quickly to our home to literally save the day yesterday. May Ha-shem keep you all protected and safe and may He continue to bless you with hatzlocha and brocha. All our gratitude, Xxxx & Xxxxxx
To your wonderful team It gives me great pleasure today on my birthday to be doing Thank you from the bottom this small mitzvah in exchange for the amazing care that of our hearts for the care you and your phenomenal team of angels have given to my afforded to my mother, Xxxx, last family and myself. We are laid up with COVID and on our 11th day of night. Your team came out so quarantine. Fortunately, we have not had severe symptoms but still quickly, in the midst of the peak uncomfortable at times. Asher Goldberg from your COVID support of a pandemic, and managed her line has been phoning us on a daily basis to check up on us. This has with kindness, compassion and been so unbelievable. A few weeks back I called your counseling line professionalism. Whilst the world is in tears only to be calmed down by a wonderful lady, unfortunately in crisis, it is truly heart-warming to cannot remember her name. She was a true angel, listening to me realise how lucky we are to be part and giving me such sensible advice. I couldn’t stop raving to everyone of a community that cares so deeply I know how brilliant. Of course your brilliant medics who have helped and goes to such lengths to ensure me and my family in difficult situations. Not forgetting my cousin, that we are protected. Tanya Joselowsky one of your dispatchers who is always brilliant at what she does. I have made a donation to your organisation today, Please convey our sincere thanks to its just a small token of our appreciation to you and your amazing the team that came out and to the team of angels. Please may you all stay safe and healthy, the medics control room operator. Mom has had risking their health and lives to protect our community. I am so proud a hip replacement and is in recovery to be part of such amazing chesed, May Hashem bless you all with and has had the best possible care good health, safety and happiness. thanks to the wonderful work you do.
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Last night I cried twice. The first time was right after Shabbat, when I heard the devastating news that Oxford had lost a beloved congregant to COVID-19. There was the huge loss of a very dear person, a regular Shabbat congregant at the Shul and a personal friend. M was regal and she commanded the weekly brocha from her corner table like a queen. She is going to be so sorely missed. The pain was only aggravated by the fact that COVID had hit home. Until a week ago it seemed to be far away. A dear colleague and personal friend had spent several weeks in ICU back in April and the fact that he is among us today is nothing short of a miracle. Then over the past week, I started hearing names of people I knew, and at least one person I work with (remotely). But it still felt remote and surreal. Nobody I knew of in my congregation had succumbed to the dreaded disease, or even tested positive. Last night it hit at the heart of the Oxford community. It was, needless to say, a very sad evening. There were many phone calls that night. With the family, the Chevra Kadisha, Hatzolah and many concerned congregants. Only aggravating the pain was the fact that late M’s husband, B, would be unable to attend the funeral as he had to be in quarantine under the circumstances. Then came the call that brought me to tears for the second time. Hatzolah, the organisation of angels, called to tell me that they would be sending a volunteer with an ambulance in the morning, to enable B to attend his wife’s funeral. Not only do these angels look after the physical health of our community, they were also prepared to give of their time to do an absolute and total act of Chessed, of this nature. Following the funeral procession this morning was a Hatzolah ambulance, driven by a volunteer, covered head to toe in PPE. In the back, sat the aggrieved widower. As we arrived at the grave, the back door of the ambulance swung open and B was able, from his seat, to be part of the ceremony, to recite Kadish for his wife and to receive, from a safe distance, condolences from the limited number of friends who had gathered. Hatzolah, you have always gone beyond the call of duty. This morning, you outdid yourselves. We are blessed to have you. May Hashem bless you all and protect you in these difficult times.
Thank you, Judy Teperson, and thank you Hatzolah. And thank Thank you so much for you, first responder Alon Crouse and your team, and follow-up referring me to Hatzolah. paramedics Bernard Segal, Hilly Reuben, Yehuda Sevitz and many others. Raphi Druin was amazing & I am blown away by how caring he Please can you extend our sincere thanks for Hatzolah’s work in November was & how much time he gave last year with our 1 year old daughter who suffered a seizure. The Hatzolah’s X & myself. It was reassuring for response team was extremely quick, professional, supportive of us parents, me to know that he was only a sensitive to the needs of our other child, and you successfully upgraded to phone call away. It turns out that two further ambulance teams, and sent an emotional support ambulance my husband has known Raphi Eitan Ash, Arielle Susman, Ari Kievman, Tanya Joselowsky. After she left since he was in nursery school, for hospital. Moreover, Bernard Segal helped us understand what would X was so excited today, she got happen in the hospital, and even, to our surprise, followed up several balloons from the wellness team, times during her stay in ICU to inquire into her progress. We have no doubt Tanya Joselowsky. that our Xxxxxx is alive today thanks to Hatzolah, along with any Divine intervention that came above that. With our deeply humble gratitude, It just made her day I am touched! Xxxxxx is now fully recovered with no signs of trauma or ill-health. I will definitely be making a donation to Hatzolah!!!!! Thank Our donation is a minor contribution to what we have received. Please you again! note we now also send a donation by monthly debit order — hope that’s still going through. We love Hatzolah. Please forward to your Joburg team.
To my Amazing Hatzolah Family, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my lungs for the overwhelming support and care you have shown me over the last 2 weeks. I have always been proud to be part of such a special organisation and now experiencing it from the receiving end makes me appreciate Hatzolah so much more. Thank Gd have made a full recovery and feeling great. A huge shout out to the Hatzolah Wellness Program, especially Uriel and Robyn Kahlberg, who coached and assisted me through this scary time.
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I would like to thank Please see attached the Not sure if this is the Hatzolah and your team donation made by me and correct place to send and especially Robyn my family. I am proud to to but I just wanted to Kahlberg from the bottom of be associated with such a caring, say how blown away I am by the my heart for all her kindness, brilliant community service and Hatzolah Wellness Team during understanding and dedication. thank you for all your help, care COVID. We are truly blessed to be a She really helped me through and support that you continue part of this community and to have this difficult and stressful time. to afford me and my family. an organisation like Hatzolah. A Hatzolah can be very proud Robyn has really been fantastic, huge thanks to David, who came contacting me twice a day and to give us the thermometer and of the service that they are talking me through my symptoms oximeter and walked us through offering. and keeping me calm during this everything. To Romy and Phillipa I will end off by saying I am very difficult time of COVID-19 that who called daily to check on my proud to be associated with I’m experiencing. Thank you once husband. And a very special thank Hatzolah. again to one and all those going you to Tanya for monitoring my the extra medical mile, for the son, being so patient and kind and members of our community. for really going the extra mile.
I would like to thank the Hatzolah team Chodesh tov. Sorry for messaging late. My for their amazing assistance and care in a husband and I just graduated from Hatzolah’s tough situation. I have an elderly cousin who COVID monitoring program. BH! I have to say has been in hospital for a couple of weeks and now thank you 1000’s to Caron Levy and all of Hatzolah needed to be transferred to an old age home. With who are mamash saving lives and giving people so the Corona virus, we have not been able to visit her in much more than medical care - the comfort and hospital and the logistics were difficult. Lauren Smith reassurance that those volunteers gave us during handled the situation and arranged the transport what was BH a manageable but an anxious provoking for us – liaising with the hospital staff directly and time - was phenomenal. I am in awe. I didn’t know coordinating the details. Her caring manner and the miracle workings of the organisation- and PG continuous feedback were remarkable and a real won’t need to know it again- but wow! So grateful tribute to your organisation. Thank you for the to be past this and to have had them by our side extraordinary role that Hatzolah continues to play in throughout. Sending you lots and lots of love and a looking after our community huge hug! May you all Keep well and warm. Xx
Dani Abramson, A massive thank you to My mom and her family I’m home and safe and the organisation and the would lke to express our quite honestly would not volunteers. sincere gratitude for all have managed without the It was great to know that I was that hatzolah and team members support of Hatzolah. I have being taken care of and that did for her. Raphi Druin was no words for the kindness there was a team keeping an outstanding and he was always and compassion and level eye on me. there for my mom, at all times. of reaching out for the good Big thank you to Daniel Forman Thanks so much sending a of others. My gratitude is in who delivered the equipment abundance and makes me once whilst I was contagious and to dedicated nurse each day and for again reflect on the fact of how Romy Greenberg for taking time all the oxygen. Hatzolah is such fortunate and proud I am to be out of her day to check up on huge asset to our community, Jewish. Thank you!!!!! me. thanks for saving so many lives.
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I remember growing up as a kid, every time we saw an ambulance, my grandmother would say: “Touch my head, touch my toes, I hope I never go in one of those”. This left me very fearful of ever needing to go in an ambulance.
Believe it or not, even though it was a saying I learnt as a kid, I still have carried part of this fear to this day. However, this all changed on Thursday the 16th July when your wonderful team from Hatzolah came to fetch me from Linksfield hospital and bring me back home to my family. I had been in the hospital for 3 weeks with severe COVID pneumonia.
A very big thank you to Yehuda Sevitz and Warren Katz who came to fetch me from the ward. They treated me like a five star guest. I felt as though I had a personal concierge service team, rather than a medical team. They were great right from the time they fetched me in the hospital until the time they helped me to settle in my bedroom. I was so grateful to be surrounded by two gentle personalities while experiencing my first ride in an ambulance.
Thank you to Uriel Rosen, Darren Kahn, Eli Lewenstein and Ryan Krawchuk for helping me get sorted with the oxygen that I need!!! It was all so well planned and co-ordinated. You supplied me with the correct amount of oxygen I need, including while in transportation, and even made a back-up plan for me during a power outage we had at home on Friday. An extra thank you to Uriel Rosen who has been with me every step of the way since last week Thursday. Uriel you have gone way beyond your call of duty and have made yourself fully accessible to me, for which I will forever be grateful.
The best part of my day is when I check in with Tanya Joselowsky, my wellness program angel. She is dedicated, caring and supportive. Thank you Tanya! Thank you also to the Hatzolah Nurses, Mandy and Chomotzo, who treat me with kindness and professionalism. These women are consistently positive, smiling and always happy to be of service. Their vibrant energy charges me for the day and I look forward to their home visits. Thank you too to the case managers behind the scenes who monitored my family’s readings while I was in hospital, and who continue to monitor my own readings.
I know that there is so much work that goes on behind the scenes with each person playing their part to make your incredible team function efficiency and effectively. Please forgive me if there is anyone who I have omitted to mention, certainly not intentionally. Hatzolah, you are an awesome organisation!!!! From the bottom of my heart to the entire team - THANK YOU - YOU ROCK!!!
Hi Hatzolah team, To each and every one of the Just a quick note to say thank you...... I think that the service dispatchers, responders,admin you are offering through your wellness programme is quite team and every member of the unbelievable and I feel truly blessed to belong to such a remarkable Hatzolah team. community that gives me access to such incredible support! I so We would like to say a huge thank you appreciated the oximeter and thermometer and even more so the and Y’shar koach for the amazing work twice a day calls from Sharon Newfield to check in on me (even you continue to do for our community. though I was only mildly ill). Your incredible commitment and self I would like to specifically thank Sharon - she was incredible: kind, sacrifice, particularly during these caring and so very supportive. I really looked forward to her calls troubled times, and the fact that each day! I am truly in awe of all that you are doing and words you continue to put yourselves at risk, cannot really express my gratitude and appreciation. whilst doing your work, is an incredible Kiddush Hashem. We are so grateful As you continue on your journey at the coal face of protecting our to each and every one of you for your community, I pray that you will all be kept safe and blessed with selfless commitment. Hashem’s richest blessings! Thank you so much.
14 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Thank You Letters
How do you thank someone for saving your life. I have just recovered from the COVID-19 I truly do not know. Saying thank you just does Virus. Thank Hashem I am well on the road not feel as if it is sufficient to say that. Perhaps to recovery. But that is not the purpose of my giving tzedaka, learning Torah. I feel ashamed to post. A huge huge thank you to a special young lady thank Hatzolah for their incredible work while my from Hatzolah who called me each and everyday to wife and I had COVID. I did not know how to message monitor, encourage and listen to my complaining Uriel or what to say when I knew I had it. He was so when I wasn’t feeling great. I do not want to mention compassionate. Saying “Congrats you have COVID” her name because an “Ayshet Chail” does this not was a perfect response it made me feel that there was for the recognition but because she is a very special nothing to worry about. Within an hour of chatting to person. Thank You from the bottom of my heart. We Uriel, Dani Abramson had called me, sent me a link to as a Jewish community of Johannesburg are blessed sign up for my wife and I, and had Eli Lewenstein drop and privileged to have such a wonderful organisation off our Sats oximeter and thermometers. The next at our disposal. May Hashem bless and protect these morning and every morning for the duration we were wonderful people at Hatzolah. Todah Rabah on the program, the calm and reassuring voice of Robyn Kalhberg called us to monitor our vitals and see how we were doing. My wife and I truly and graciously appreciate all the messages, meals, love and support from everyone in this organisation. May Hashem rain Hello. I want to say a massive thank you to down his richest blessings and may you all merit from the team of paramedics who were dispatched the amazing work you do. G-D bless take care. to a near fatal child drowning accident on Wednesday 22nd July. Xxxx is out of hospital As of today Friday 24th Xxxx is at home and appears to be fully healthy and well other than a little dopey and not his usual energetic self. We are forever grateful. Most weeks I get the privilege of being a Hatzolah responder.
Unfortunately this week I got to play the role of patient. BH I was a patient of Hatzolah’s. The treatment, My mother X tested positive for COVID-19. care and love I received from Uriel, RafI and Rael Our Doctor Charles Meltzer has thank G-D was as if they were taking care of a VIP (Although issued a certificate that she is no longer a couple of chirps were thrown in for good measure) contagious. From the onset after the test Hatzolah Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart have been phenomenal. Justin Gillman has called for coming to my rescue. her three times a day and supported her throughout To hear Tali’s voice and to see the faces of my the period. He has been truly outstanding. Hatzolah brothers was calming and reassuring. I usually took the gratitude letters written by community as ‘that’s nice’ or ‘how sweet’ but now me being on the receiving end of a Hatzolah emergency, With gratitude to Hashem I’m recovering there are not enough words to express my gratitude. from COVID 19. My deep gratitude also to the angels of Hatzolah whose kindness and An even bigger sigh of relief was knowing Reuven was caring kept me going. A special thanks to Talya going to be my Milpark Doctor. Chemel for monitoring, Warren Katz and Liav Cohen for taking me to hospital and Warren Katz for taking me home and to Darren Kahn for your help and care. Also a big thank you to the special people at Hatzolah who were so kind and caring to me. May Dear Ronit. Hashem shower you with blessings and may you A huge huge Hakoros Hatov for taking such have good health and happiness always. special care of me while I had COVID. Your daily calls, care and concern was so appreciated. May Hashem bless you and protect you. Much love
15 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Neshama Spouses Support Group It is hard to believe that something that started just over two years ago has grown into such a memorable and life-changing experience for so many of the spouses of Hatzolah responders and dispatchers. Never did we imagine that Neshama, which was created to provide support and unity amongst the wives and husbands of Hatzolah members, would also be the beginning of many wonderful friendships. Before our reality was altered into one of social distancing, Neshama was able to arrange an exciting evening, with a flower arranging workshop for the wives and braai hampers for the husbands. Neshama, however, goes beyond fun nights and goody bags filled with treats. We are blessed to be able to delve deeper and assist the spouses on an emotional level too. We benefited from an informative evening, including a trauma workshop, which allowed us to have our own debriefing and become aware that what we as spouses go through is normal. Many of us share the same feelings and a common understanding that having to give up time with our spouses, in fact touches so many lives and helps beyond our wildest dreams. This could not be truer than during the crazy time of the COVID pandemic, that we as South Africans are experiencing along with the rest of the world. It has been heartwarming to see the community’s appreciation for our spouses and all the tireless work that they do. This year we have had the ability to honour the spouses with vouchers and thank-you goody hampers, affirming that although we cannot connect face to face, we still remember that behind each volunteer is a husband or wife supporting them while they are on the front line. It has been such a privilege to be able to continue the role for which Neshama was created, despite being in a new and unconventional form, one based around physical distance and safety.
16 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Cycle Tour
And they’re off...... Day 1 of this year’s Hatzolah Cape Invasion Cycle Tour started at the Oubaai Hotel. The route led the cyclists through George, up the world renowned Outeniqua Pass, then into the Wilderness and heading back to the hotel with a gruelling loop through the lushest farmlands around George. A most magnificent day - “enjoyed” by all. Day 2 started from the Oubaai Hotel. The early morning ride through the dense mist created a fresh and vibrant environment. The route led the cyclists through the exquisite Seven Passes Road, the oldest mountain pass between George and the Wilderness. Much needed refreshments and a lunch break at Mooi Uitsig was followed by a tough ride to Diaz Strand for the most spectacular views from the Diaz Hotel overlooking the sea. The day ended with a delicious fish braai overlooking the ocean, sharing funny pictures and experiences from the day. We could not wait for what Day 3 would bring. Day 3 started with a picturesque sunrise over the water at the Diaz Hotel. The team immediately climbed through the tough hills of Mossel Bay, overlooking the port. Boggomsbaai welcomed us for coffee, followed by a bucket list selfie spot in Gouritz. As the temperature climbed, so did the cyclists, making for an extremely challenging day, but finishing off with an outstanding lunch on the beach front back at Diaz Strand, before being transported via luxury buses to the famous Arabella Hotel. This gave the cyclists time to sleep or simply recover, reminiscing about previous years’ routes through the passing mountainous Swellendam and Riveiersonderend. After dinner, the team laughed and joked, enjoying the slide show of the day’s professional photographs and footage. Day 4 started at the Arabella Hotel. The sun slowly rose above the peak of the nearby mountains, creating magical reflections on the water of the immaculate golf course. Forget the 5-star hot and cold breakfast, the sounds of the sprinklers, birds chirping, and the feeling of the crisp morning air was certainly the desired recipe for a good ride. The route led the cyclists out the golf course, up the magnificent hills amongst the forest and out into the rolling hills of the magical Western Cape. Day 5 started at the Arabella Hotel. The final day focused on a slow, comfortable, scenic ride along the coast, bonding with fellow cyclists. The beautiful ride through the whale rich Hermanus and into the small “one horse towns” of Kleinmond, Betty’s Bay and Pringle Bay. South Africa truly knew how to show off its beauty, with this ride along the coastal Western Cape, into Gordon’s Bay. The resident baboons and scenic lookout spots overlooking the crashing waves, seagulls and perfect fishing rocks created unlimited photo opportunities. There was really no better way to end off Cape Invasion 2020 than having a braai on the Gordon’s Bay beachfront, with newfound friends.
This year’s Hatzolah Cape Invasion Cycle Tour was made possible by incredible sponsors: Stonehage Fleming, Alchemy and Tomato.
Cycle Tour Testimonials
The Hatzolah Cycle Invasion is the highlight of my year. It is a selfish indulgence of 5 spectacular days, each filled with the best that South Africa has to offer. It is a physical, spiritual and emotional experience that is shared with old and new friends on an incredible journey of challenge and pleasure, all in the name of a worthy cause, Hatzolah! - David Slotow
International multi-family office Stonehage Fleming has been the main sponsor of the Hatzolah Cycle Tour – Cape Invasion 2020, for a fourth year running. Head of the South African and Middle Eastern Family Office division, Layve Rabinowitz says, “We are proud to support Hatzolah, alongside other sponsors Tomato and Alchemy. As a Group, we follow a strategic approach to philanthropy, one that also takes account of long- held family values. We are also committed to giving back to the communities in which we operate and strive to support charities, such as Hatzolah, that show strong leadership and sound governance, exhibit innovation as well as high levels of local integration, leverage and empowerment potential.” This is the fourth year that Layve Rabinowitz has taken to the saddle to raise funds for Hatzolah. “From a personal perspective, the Hatzolah Cycle Tour is an unbelievable experience. The level of organisation that goes into arranging the tour is of the highest calibre. Every detail is taken care of to ensure that the riders have a fantastic experience. It is a privilege to participate in the tour and to have the Stonehage Fleming brand associated with an event of this standard. And the fact that we are giving back to Hatzolah makes it even more meaningful.”
Having left South Africa almost 40 years ago, experiencing Without a doubt the 2020 Hatzolah Cycle Tour was the best the Hatzolah ride was partly a drive down memory lane, organised sports event I have ever participated in and that but also a reconnection with my roots. And what a worthy includes Comrades, Two Oceans, as well as many overseas cause! The experience was nothing short of superb, from marathons. From the routes to the accommodation, food, the organisation, to taking care of one’s every need, assistance, support and camaraderie. Please reserve my making new friends, cycling in exquisite country, great place for next year and many more after. accommodation, food, drinks and camaraderie. And a To Mark, Sharon, the bikers, Hatzolah vehicles. bike highly skilled bike mechanic on site to boot! What more technician, and the riders, THANKS for everything, (even could you want? I highly recommend it for both domestic the Capetonians). What I learnt on the tour, is that if and foreign cyclists. - Jeff Rosin you can’t pronounce the name on the clothing, it is very expensive (ask David Boyer). For those I left on the hills. I have had the opportunity over the last few years to ride I’m really sorry. Buy an E bike as it converts you from being the Hatzolah Cape Invasion. This is the most organised a schlepper to be able to ride with the MENEERS. and unbelievable tour. Throughout the tour we are looked All in all, I wouldn’t miss next years Tour for anything. after to the very smallest detail. Never can one go away - Rodney Plett for 5 days and live in luxury, socialise, exercise and meet your own personal challenges as one can on the Hatzolah tour. This is a must for all. -Eitan Ash
Based on recommendations from friends, I decided to look into participation in the charity ride for Hatzolah South Africa, mainly because of the good cause and the fantastic itinerary. After looking at the website, I contacted Sharon by mail with quite a few questions about flights from Israel, hotels before and after the ride and participation in the Cape Town Cycle tour (Argus) the Sunday afterwards. Initially I was a bit hesitant, also since the Corona news from China had already started, but Sharon responded almost immediately with clear and complete answers to all my questions and based on that I decided to participate. I was not disappointed. The whole tour was superbly organised with great routes, very good accomodation and meals and a fantastic bike mechanic. The rides were accompanied by cars and motorcycles, similar to what I have experienced only in much larger rides, such as ALYN’s Wheel of Love. This contributes greatly to the safety of the riders. The whole team, including Mark Kruger, Sharon and Yudi made the tremendous effort look easy and appeared to genuinely enjoy themselves. The whole support staff was great and saved no effort to make all things go smoothly. The fellow riders, almost all South Africans, made a “stranger” like me from Israel feel welcome immediately and I have struck many great friendships since. The rides were all in fantastic scenery, challenging, but not too strenuous. The stops were planned well and the refreshments and food along the way were great. A bonus was the timing allowing participation in the Cape Town Cycle Tour, which is a unique cycling event, both in size and location! I made it back safely to Israel, just in time to go directly into a 2 week Corona quarantine for people flying in from abroad. - Yaron Polak
20 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER 16721_HATZ_Hatzolah magazine_Ecard Ad_Final.p.indd 1 2020/07/13 08:42 CARING FOR LIFE House Hospitality
The welcoming of guests takes “ precedence over welcoming the Divine Presence (Talmud: Shabbat 127a)
A Space for Ease & Comfort Hatzolah has expanded into our new premises, creating additional space for our sta and responders to work with greater ease and e ciency but we have gone further and created a space for the ease and comfort of our community as well.
Research has shown that a patient’s recovery In the event that a family member has to be in hospital in our area over a Shabbos or Yom Tov, and the family is greatly enhanced when in the presence of lives too far away to walk, they will be able to stay in the family and loved ones. Hatzolah Hospitality House over the required period, enabling them to visit with and be with the patient. We know too well the anguish of both patients and family members who are unable to be with each other Alternatively, there may be cases where a patient from over Shabbos and Yom Tov. And so, out of this, we out of town requires weekday hospitalisation in our area. have created the Hatzolah Hospitality House - a two In such a case, the Hatzolah Hospitality House may be bedroom, four sleeper, fully equipped home away made available to their immediate family members to ease from home, for the benefi t of our community. the burden of travelling long distances.
For details and bookings please contact Sharon: [email protected] / 082 974 6076 or Ryan on 0860 004 666. There is no charge for use of the Hospitality House. Donations welcome.
Terms & Conditions Apply. Insigniaadvertising.co.za
13710_Hatzolah_Cares Hospitality House Advert_A4.indd 1 2019/08/30 8:34 AM CARING FOR LIFE
One less thing to worry about on Shabbos or Yom Tov when your loved one is in hospital
According to the Chofetz Chaim, it is an important mitzvah to be with a sick person, as this will greatly help their recovery. Our Parktown hospitality house is now available within walking distance to Milpark, Donald Gordon and Parklane hospitals. This home away from home is fully equipped, FREE OF CHARGE and open to families who wish to be with their loved ones that are in hospital over Shabbos and Yom Tov.
Research has shown that in the presence of family and loved ones, patient recovery is known to improve signifi cantly. For this reason we have established the Hatzolah hospitality house for the benefi t of our community.
For details & bookings please contact: Sharon 082 974 6076/ [email protected] or Ryan 0860 004 666/ [email protected] There is no charge for use of the Hospitality House. Donations welcome. Terms and Conditions Apply.
HOSPITALITY HOUSE Parktown advert_Print.indd 1 2019/08/22 11:55 Mishloach Manot
Hot on the heels of the Hatzolah Cape Invasion cycle tour, was the festival of Purim 5780. Once again Hatzolah produced its unique version of Mishloach Manot to sell as a fundraiser. The project was made possible again this year due to the enormous generosity of our sponsor Sasfin. A wonderful opportunity arose to collaborate with Oak House Vocational Academy, allowing their learners to use various appropriate skill sets to assist in building the boxes. Most of the mini ambulances were assembled by the learners at the Academy, an activity much enjoyed by them and indeed a great help to us. Fortunately, this was before the advent of lockdown, so while our cyclists made their way across the beautiful Garden Route, a team comprising full-time Hatzolah responders, office staff and dispatchers worked hard at packing almost 2000 Mishloach Manot at the Hatzolah House. The boxes were filled with delicious treats, in both milchik and parev varieties. BH the project was again a sell-out, with the packages being quickly snapped up by generous community members, to fulfill the mitzvah of giving Mishloach Manot to family and friends. We are deeply grateful to Sasfin for enabling us to maximise much needed funds raised, to continue serving our community with emergency medical assistance of the highest level. WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HATZOLAH.
“There are 2 educations; one should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live”-John Adams. These are some of the important values and principles we use to educate our learners. Oak House Vocational Academy is an extension of Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School based in Kensington. The Academy caters to learners with special needs for whom placement in a mainstream, remedial or academic environment isn’t suitable. The aim is to facilitate a smooth transition from adolescence to adulthood for learners between the ages of 13 and 18. The program focuses on vocational, functional and life skills and facilitates a student’s journey towards functional incorporation into society. Oak House Vocational Academy has been involved in a variety of projects to teach necessary work experience skills, and we were very excited and privileged to partner with Hatzolah in one of their annual fundraisers, the Purim mishloach manot ambulances. Our learners were part of an “assembly line” where each group of learners was responsible for an aspect of the final product, based on their level of ability. Some were in the preparation stage, some were folding, others were completing the final assembly, some packing away and others in charge of quality control. The learners put all their vocational skills into practice, and we were able to contribute to and complete approximately 2000 ambulances, ready for filling. They had fun completing these tasks and felt such pride and a wonderful sense of accomplishment. Oak House Academy and its teachers valued being affiliated with this organization and we thank Hatzolah for giving us this opportunity. We hope to be able to continue this relationship in future projects. “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside”. Thank you for helping us achieve our goals! Saving lives in unexpected ways
When the chances are so slim to be an accurate match for someone, you don’t really think too deeply into what it would be like to be called by the Bone Marrow Association to say you are a match. This is our story, except it was not a match for the person we expected to help. Although the intention and hope was to be a match for a little Jewish boy in Cape Town the outcome of our story is different.
I’m so eager to be sharing this because real heroes are sometimes those you never hear about, the humble, quiet ones in the background. So here is a story of a hero as well as an organisation (Hatzolah) that saves lives in more ways than one and in the most unexpected ways.
In August of 2018 Hatzolah ran an initiative to help a little boy in Cape Town, to find someone who was an accurate match for him in order to donate stem cells that he needed.
Helping to do the swabs for this initiative I immediately gathered all the members of my family that I could to be swabbed, including XXXX, to see if they were a match to help this little boy. As days, weeks and months passed being a match was in the past. Forgetting about the swab we once did we continued with life.
Almost a year later XXXX received a call from The Bone Marrow Association of South Africa to say that he is a potential match for someone who needs stem cells. Not really understanding the magnitude of this call he agreed that he would go through with more tests to see if he was an exact, accurate match for this person.
After countless health tests, blood tests and body scans, somehow he was a complete match. The process really began when he had to decide whether he would continue with this rigorous and invasive undertaking. My mind was in two spaces, one thinking of the side effects and his health and the other being what the potential outcome could be for the recipient if he went through with this.
Through all of this the person receiving the stem cells would remain completely anonymous to us. What’s unbelievable about this is that you don’t know anything about the person, the country let alone the continent they may live in. You don’t know if it a male or female, a child or adult, their race or religion. All we knew was that this person needed these stem cells to potentially survive, and why I say potentially is that the unfortunate reality is that the stems cells may not fully take in the person’s body. So now if you look at it on paper, you have no idea who this person is, you have to go through an invasive and rigorous procedure yet there is a potential the person survives from this. Just thinking back about this, XXXX had no idea who this person was yet we consulted with rabbis and doctors and with the ‘go ahead’ from both those realms XXXX, without much hesitation, went full-steam ahead with the process.
A week before the procedure XXXX had to inject himself in his stomach with a drug that increases the production of stem cells in his bone marrow. This comes with side effects of severe body aches which he experienced in his back and neck. Not for a second did this deter him from going ahead. After countless blood tests his bone marrow had produced enough stem cells to have the transfusion. We arrived at the hospital and he was strapped up to a bed for 7 hours unable to move even his finger as the needles are so thin and so precise that they cannot be moved.
They extracted enough stem cells and he was discharged and sent on his way.
The only thing left to say is that I believe this was an act of true chesed and the ultimate form of charity. He will never know the person; he will never receive a thank you from them, yet knowing the potential of this procedure gave him all the encouragement he needed.
It may not have been the person he intended to be a match for but by partaking in Hatzolah’s initiative and ticking a small box on the form that allows the Bone Marrow Association to keep your results in case they would need it for someone else, he was able to perform this selfless act of G-d, saving a life.
Thank you Hatzolah for saving lives in more ways than one, and in the most unexpected ways. May the organisation continue to grow from strength to strength.
26 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER HATZOLAH MEDICAL EQUIPMENT GEMACH For the short term loan of medical equipment.
Hatzolah maintains a gemach for the free lending of medical equipment. Our inventory includes wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, bathroom equipment, and more. If you need to borrow any of these items, please call the number below.
HATZOLAH MEDICAL GEMACH NUMBER 0860 004 666
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROBERT KROPMAN insigniaadvertising.co.za
Hatzolah Medical Rescue JHB @HatzolahSA @hatzolahsa 29 Durham Street, Raedene. Tel (O ce): 0860 100 101 Email: [email protected]
Medical Gemach Ad_A4 2019.indd 1 2019/08/19 11:25 Team Hatzolah
Hatzolah Board Members From left to right: Chairman Lance Abramson, Patent Attorney, Partner - Spoor & Fisher Legal Director David Shapiro, Attorney and Director - Shapiro Aarons Inc Medical Director Dr Reuven Jacks, Medical Doctor and Trauma Surgeon Operations Director Dovber Unterslak, Head of Sales and Marketing - Xtend South Africa HR Director Clive Breger, Entrepreneur and Owner - Nicci Boutiques Financial Director Gilly Levy, Entrepreneur and Owner - Proraiz
President Executive General Manager Brian Jude Darren Kahn
Hatzolah is registered as an NPC in terms of Schedule 1 of Act 71 of 2008. Hatzolah is run and managed by a board of directors consisting purely of volunteers.
28 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Volunteer Fundraising Team
Philip Jacobson Steven Greenstein Mark Uria Retired Businessman Portfolio Manager - Entrepreneur - Acumen Capital Owner Smart Media
It’s such a privilege to be able to assist Hatzolah in raising the necessary funds to run this organisation which makes a difference in so many people’s lives on a daily basis. The Johannesburg community is unique in its generosity and its willingness to give. This is so evident at the annual poker event where the players donate with such full hearts. MARK URIA
Balloons for children under 12
29 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Admin Team
JUDY TEPERSON - Front Desk MAUREEN PUTERMAN - Accounts Being involved with Hatzolah is an I am in awe of the amazing work amazingly humbling experience. done by Hatzolah and I am very proud to be part of the organisation.
SHARON NEWFIELD - Marketing STACY AMBER - Accounts TARRYN RABIN It is very rewarding and exciting for Seeing the incredible work Hatzolah CPR Training Centre Administrator me to organise events for a group does makes my work that much I know that each time I book a CPR of people who are passionate about more meaningful. To get to work for course for an individual/group/ helping the community and for an organization who is so dedicated school it has the capacity to save a community that so generously and committed to what they do a life. That for me is by far the shows its appreciation. makes me feel lucky and privileged most rewarding part of my job at to be a part of who Hatzolah is. Hatzolah.
MABEL VANESSA Cleaning Cleaning
Full time staff: Volunteers: 3 Advanced Life Support paramedics (ALS) 58 volunteer responders, 6 Intermediate Life Support medics (ILS) 23 volunteer dispatchers 3 dispatchers and 15 administration staff 31 volunteer Crisis Unit responders
30 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Fundraising Team
MAISH BOOKATZ I have helped to raise funds for Hatzolah, with a wonderful, dedicated, committed fund raising team knowing that people’s lives have been saved and their loved ones have been comforted. It is indeed a privilege to work for such a noble caring organisation.
LEIGH GOLDIN MARCELLE PHILLIPS Even though the pandemic this year has caused Over the past six years I have been continuously devastation, hardship, panic and anxiety, I have decided inspired by the generosity of the community, and to see the good that has come out of this challenging the outstanding work done by Hatzolah time.We have grown even closer as an organisation and I am overwhelmed with immense gratitude to the community for the meaningful donations and help that people have given to Hatzolah. I am very proud and grateful to be part of the Hatzolah family.
RAEL SUPER TALI FLAX It is an honour to raise funds for the amazing It is a privilege and honour to work for an organisation that Hatzolah is, to ensure that the organisation like Hatzolah, I am so grateful paramedics are able to save lives and help the to be able to be a part of it. The length it community. Fundraising is a unique and challenging job, it is goes to in order to help the community is rewarding with the bonus of meeting interesting people indescribable. We see it now more than ever. along the way on the phone and in person. What an incredible place it is and I only hope The spirit in the fundraising team is a special one, with it continues to grow! everyone playing a role and together the craziness makes it all happen.
31 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER CPR Anytime, anywhere!
Anytime, anywhere, somebody may need your help. You can make the difference and help save a life. Be prepared and learn CPR
Email [email protected] to book your course. Team Hatzolah CPR Team
Yudi Singer Tarryn Rabin Training Centre Manager Training Centre Administrator
Avigdor Hack Hilly Reuben CPR/First Aid Co-ordinator Hugo’s Heroes Co-ordinator
Daniel Singer Moshe Amoils Ronit Janet Eli Lewenstein Instructor Instructor Instructor Instructor
Craig Stollard Uriel Rosen Instructor Instructor
33 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER
EMERGENCY MEDICINE IS MORE THAN A CAREER
It’s a calling. Is it yours?
Hatzolah is o ering a bursary for an internationally recognized 4 year paramedics course at UJ. You will then be invited to join our full-time team.
Experience the privilege of saving lives everyday.
If you are a Torah observant male aged between 17 and 21, and have a matric certifi cate, contact [email protected] to fi nd out more.
Hatzolah Medical Rescue. Treatment excellence. Unsurpassed response times. INSIGNIA ADVERTISING
8485-hatzolah rec Advert.indd 1 2019/08/15 10:50 Message From The Operations Manager
Since last year the Hatzolah family has gone through a roller coaster of emotions,from the grief of losing a brother as a result of a tragic car accident, to fear and worry now during this difficult time of the corona virus.
I clearly remember the face of a young Hatzolah responder, when he realized that his friend and Hatzolah brother was the patient that we were working so hard to keep alive. His expression can only be described as shock, horror and absolute fear of the worst. However, every responder on that incident continued fighting for Adam, and we didn’t stop till a few weeks later, when we laid him to rest with a guard of honour at Westpark Cemetery.
Fast forward a few months and we start hearing about this virus that is spreading. We too thought it was some media hyped up “flu” and there was nothing to worry about. Until February 2020 when we realized it’s not going away, it’s coming for us, it’s coming for our families and there is nothing we can do to stop it.
The faces of those who grasped this worrying news, showed something similar to that of the young responder.
In true Hatzolah style however, everyone kicked into gear and we started planning; from sourcing sufficient PPE (personal protective equipment), regular responder training on how to put on (don) and take off (doff) the PPE safely, to creating isolation ambulances, from developing a remote home wellness monitoring programme, which has been and still is looking after hundreds of COVID positive patients and saving tens of lives, to our Hatzolah Assist lift service for patients that need a lift to or from hospital in a non-emergency situation, from putting in place Hatzolah’s emotional support line with trained Crisis Response Unit counsellors a call away, to additional layers of care added to the programme in the form of nurses trained to visit certain flagged patients at home and the availability of home oxygen when required.
It’s now the middle of March and the Hatzolah family start experiencing a new type of fear. “Am I bringing this virus home to my family?” “Am I crazy for volunteering for Hatzolah during these times?” “Am I subjecting my compromised mother/ grandmother to unnecessary risk?”
For the majority of the Hatzolah responders, these questions weighed heavily on their minds and tough decisions needed to be made. Does the responder hang up his boots for this time period or does he continue responding?
Most responders made the difficult but brave decision to keep responding, planning how to avoid walking through their homes in their uniforms, some often driving home in their underwear after leaving their uniforms at the Hatzolah base to be washed. Other responders moved out of home completely. Yet not a single responder complained. All shifts have been covered even though the responders & dispatchers know that when working a shift they are not going to have a moment of down time. The responders are under immense emotional pressure too, taking critically ill patients to hospital and leaving them there, knowing family members are not permitted to visit. Seeing fear in the patients’ eyes takes its toll….
Each emergency call takes twice as long, as a full decontamination needs to occur after every COVID-19 case. Yet each responder and dispatcher handles this with grace.
Dispatchers have also had a new reality. For the months of April and May the emergency calls slowed down but the call volume picked up with an average of 800 calls a month, many enquiring about COVID-19. In June, traditionally one of our busiest months, the emergency call volume increased back to normal, but the COVID-19 questions didn’t stop. Dispatchers do not have a moment’s rest from the second they come on shift to the moment they hand over the phone so many of you know as your lifeline.
This time we are living through will go down in history. For some it will be categorized as the most horrific and painful time as many people will have lost loved ones. For others it will be remembered as the most humbling time, when a vicious virus swept through the world, holding no bounds and affecting everyone indiscriminately. We will get through this because of organisations such as Hatzolah and other people within the community who rose up and assisted those in need unstintingly.
The Hatzolah team never ceases to amaze me. I feel privileged and honoured to devote my life to such a powerful organisation that changes people’s lives on a daily basis.
Please G-D next year’s article will be about how we said goodbye to Corona.
URIEL ROSEN
37 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Dispatchers
ASHIRA SACKSTEIN CARON LEVY It is my privilege to work alongside heroes It is with a great amount of honour and humility that I dispatch for this magnificent organisation and have done so for the past who are dedicated to serve our community so 6 years. The capacity to serve our community and to have the selflessly. privilege of working with some of the most committed, genuine, professional and caring individuals, is one that I will treasure always. To be on the other end of the phone, when people are desperate and reaching out for help, and to be able to say that help is on the way, is indeed a privilege and one that I never take for granted.
DANI ABRAMSON DAVID RONTHAL The sense of relief I hear in the voice of a It’s a very rewarding feeling knowing that I caller, when they know that help is on the am able to help someone in the community. way, is priceless. I feel so honoured for the When I hear the relief in someone’s voice opportunity I have been given to be a part of when I tell them that help is on the way, this amazing organisation. Working alongside it makes getting out of bed at all hours, such special people every day is a true worth it. privilege.
DEENA GISCHEN DOVBER UNTERSLAK As a dispatcher, it is truly incredible to be able to Knowing that you have made a difference facilitate the chessed that Hatzolah provides to and played a part in saving lives is an our community, often going far beyond just the inexplicable feeling. Being able to see how medical nature of the emergency itself! Hatzolah the community supports us to do our work so professionally is able to identify and collaborate makes every supporter a part of that feeling with the various services which may be necessary too. to assist in each emergency in the best way that is possible be it for the patient, caller or family.
38 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Dispatchers
ESTER LEVY GABI CHIPKIN For me being a dispatcher is the best way to I feel so privileged to be part of such a give back to the community. Many people special organisation that goes out of ask why I do this if I dont get paid and my its way for its members and the community. response is simple. Knowing you are there for someone in their moment of need is reward enough.
JASON NEWFIELD KIRA JACOBS After every shift I’m either relieved that no Whenever I read a message of appreciation, support and one needed our help or grateful that I could gratitude received from a community member who has do my little bit to try get a better outcome for been assisted by Hatzolah, all the hard work that comes someone in need. with being a dispatcher melts away and is replaced by a profound sense of appreciation, meaning and fulfilment. Thank you Hatzolah for giving me the opportunity to give back to our one of a kind community!
LAUREN SMITH NATANYA JOSEPH I love knowing that when someone is in need As the newest addition to the Hatzolah family, we are able to make a difference. I love the I have seen what it means to be there for your anonymity that our organisation upholds, ‘brothers’. Not only does each and every member of Hatzolah selflessly give, every moment of every knowing that we are always there for others day, to those in the community, but everyone without knowing who they are and vice versa. supports each other and is there with a smile to help, no matter the time. What a privilege it is to be a part of this most incredible family.
39 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Dispatchers
PHILIPA LEVITAN ROBYN KAHLBERG As one of the newest members of this One of the highlights of dispatching for me is Hatzolah family, I can honestly say how working with the amazing teams of responders. proud I am of being part of this amazing These incredible guys respond graciously and organisation. The hard work and dedication enthusiastically to any medical emergency, at a of everyone involved is truly special. moment’s notice, right through the night. Being part of our special Hatzolah family is an honour and responsibility not to be taken for granted.
ROBYN SHAPIRO ROMY GREENBERG Being a volunteer dispatcher for Hatzolah is a It’s always amazing and heartwarming to true privilege. The level of training provided by know that we are able to help people within our the organisation solidifies our ability to dispatch community who have nowhere else to turn in proficiently. But it is the familial compassion that their time of need. I love being involved in an Hatzolah has for each of its volunteers that spills over organisation where the very core and essence of into our genuine care when serving our community it, is to go above and beyond to help wherever we not only with medical assistance, but heart. can, no matter the circumstances
RONIT JANET RONIT KALMEK Playing a part in saving lives or helping It makes me really happy to be doing my make someone’s life that much easier. small part for the community. It is so awesome to be part of the amazing Hatzolah family.
40 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Dispatchers
SHEVI JASSINOWSKY TALYA CHEMEL I love hearing “Dispatch, we are complete and To serve the community that has enabled available for further calls” and knowing that I me to become the person I am... That was a link in the chain of saving a life. inspires me every single shift. I am I love it when my shift ends after a busy night, so grateful for that opportunity and and it was worth having little and interrupted responsibility sleep to be part of this incredible organisation.
TANYA JOSELOWSKY TRACEY RIBEIRO Being a dispatcher means taking calls at all hours of It never ceases to amaze me that Hatzolah always goes the day or night. Something that stands out for me, above and beyond to keep abreast of developments is the availability of our dispatch manager, Uriel. He occurring worldwide, and then so ingeniously and is available 24/7, to attend to any queries or guide us, expertly putting the most amazing systems into place, should we require direction on difficult calls. I am always to advance the well-being of our South African Jewish blown away by the endless support and ongoing training community and broader society in such a caring, we receive from Hatzolah’s management. nurturing and compassionate manner. To the Hatzolah leadership, thank YOU sincerely for everything you do, it certainly does not go unnoticed!
URIEL ROSEN YUDI SINGER COVID-19 has necessitated extra training It is truly incredible that a “simple” phone call and new protocols to be introduced to our can link one stranger to another, with such dispatch criteria, to ensure the safety of the a powerful ability to change someone’s life responders and patients. It is gratifying to see forever. the dispatchers adapt to these new demands
41 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER
Message From The Medical Manager
COVID -19 is a completely new phenomenon for which one could not adequately prepare. Never in our wildest dreams could we have imagined being faced with such a disaster. The Corona virus has affected every person in the community financially, emotionally, or in their physical health and this pandemic has certainly placed additional and extraordinary stresses on Hatzolah. Even though this pandemic is foreign to our healthcare systems, Hatzolah was certainly not going to allow it to stop us providing the best possible physical and emotional help to our patients and community; COVID-19 has taught us a fortune. Before the first cases had even reached South Africa, we established a task team to begin planning and preparing for the possible reality we were about to face. We started following the data and international trends very closely and rapidly began purchasing all the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). Our Infection Prevention Control (IPC) task team embarked on researching appropriate measures to ensure the safety of our responders and patients. We reviewed our existing cleaning, decontamination, and treatment SOPs, and updated them to accommodate for the pandemic. Hatzolah’s Mass Casualty Incident team spent countless hours putting together a disaster plan for what may lie ahead, based on what we had seen internationally. To equip our responders and prepare the team to deal with COVID and non-COVID related emergencies in these unfamiliar circumstances, we have held training sessions over Zoom and circulated daily and weekly communications. This, however, is a very fluid situation and the board of directors, management and IPC task team were having daily meetings, making amendments based on real life data and patterns, and applying their best efforts to deal with predicted challenges. Lockdown forced us to alter the way in which we operate both administratively and with respect to the teams on the road. We are used to a loud, robust, yet very cohesive environment at the Hatzolah House. Being at Hatzolah now is very peculiar; the environment is a bit eerie as there are so few people around. Everyone needs to social distance and we are all wearing masks. Yet this does not seem to change the spirit and excitement of the volunteers. It is amazing to see volunteers coming to fetch an ambulance for their shift and prepare equipment and PPE. One can see the nervousness and anticipation for what lies ahead, yet the pure sense of selflessness and dedication to the community and the greater cause is evident. The reality of COVID-19 has forced us to do things differently and work under unusual conditions. We are used to making close contact and engaging with our patients, providing support while interacting on a human level. We can no longer bond with the patient and family, rather trying to connect from a distance, making it hard and impersonal. Responders are now a bit nervous to go into the patient’s house. We currently approach scenes differently and alter our treatment regimens in line with the best practices under COVID-19 conditions. It is also upsetting to see the challenges that the patients experience. The fear on the child’s face at the site of the scary people in Hazmat suits, making it hard to build rapport and instil a feeling of safety, the discomfort of the critically unwell patient having to weigh up the consequences of staying safe at home with the risk of contracting COVID-19 if they go to hospital and the inability for the patient and responder to build a relationship during the terrifying time of their emergency. Invisible is the kind smile beneath the N95 mask. The PPE and equipment present their own challenges. The responders are uncomfortable, hot and their ability to work optimally is affected as all their senses are impeded. The hood and visors deflect sounds making hearing difficult, the masks impact linguistics and communication, the goggles and visors fog up, sometimes creating a small gap just big enough to see through, and the double gloves affect the nerve endings and sensory function, limiting the ability to feel pulses and skin condition. Wearing this PPE affects one’s concentration and is quite exhausting. Despite this, you will never hear the responder complain about having to carry an unconscious patient down five flights of stairs, while connected to monitors, oxygen and other essential lifesaving equipment. The task is always achieved while maintaining the patient’s dignity and comfort. There is also a tremendous psychological and emotional impact on the volunteers. As the lockdown progressively decreases, responders and dispatchers are dealing with a huge number of critically ill patients as the harsh pandemic plays out. The responders are faced with the grim possibility that the next call they go on might lead to their contracting COVID-19, regardless of every effort to protect themselves. Another emotionally challenging situation is when wheeling the elderly gentleman out of his house on the stretcher, knowing very well that his wife may never see her loved one again. It is a sad position to be in, being supportive when suggesting that a spouse say their final goodbyes. It takes a very brave person to head directly into the danger zone while most people are trying their utmost to run away and hide from it. These special people somehow provide much needed support to their Hatzolah brothers. It is during some of the scariest moments such as opening the airway of the unconscious victim, heading directly into the COVID ward of the hospital or donning or doffing PPE, that one needs to find strength and support from an equally anxious co-volunteer, I would like to give a big shout out to all the dispatchers, responders, crisis response unit members and many other volunteers that have come on board for the numerous projects. Their dedication and efforts in ensuring the safety of our patients and community is humbling to see. Nothing seems to be able to stop a volunteer’s passion and deep desire to help during a time of crisis! Kol HaKavod! I have the utmost faith that Hatzolah will overcome any challenge it faces, to continue providing “Treatment Excellence” to our patients and the community, even if the odds are stacked against us. Wishing everyone a safe and healthy journey ahead. YUDI SINGER Hatzolah Medical Rescue JHB @HatzolahSA
16721_HATZ_Social media advert_Final.p_2.indd 2 2020/08/12 15:15 16721_HATZ_Social media advert_Final.p_2.indd 3 2020/08/12 15:16 16721_HATZ_DPS_Full time team_Final.indd 2
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2020/08/17 16:13 16721_HATZ_DPS_Full time team_Final.indd 3 2020/08/17 16:15 Team Hatzolah Full Time Team
ASHIRA SACKSTEIN ALBERT NDLOVU AVIGDOR HACK BERNARD SEGAL Dispatcher Logistics & Fleet Advanced Life Support Special Projects Management Manager & Responder
Albert: When I joined Hatzolah in 2009 I was a bit nervous because it was my first time joining an organisation of this magnitude. To my surprise the welcome was absolutely amazing. The most important thing and what I like about Hatzolah is the team spirit and how everyone is so committed to their work
DANI ABRAMSON DORON SUSMAN GAVIN TUCH HILLY REUBEN Dispatcher Operations Supervisor Responder Logistics Assistant & Responder & Responder
48 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Full Time Team
LAUREN SMITH RYAN KRAWCHUCK URIEL ROSEN WARREN KATZ Dispatcher Logistics, Fleet Operations Responder Management Mananager & & Responder Advanced Life Support
YEHUDA SEVITZ YUDI SINGER Responder Medical Manager & Advanced Life Support
49 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Responders
ALON FITTINGHOFF ALON JOSEPH It is an honour and a privilege to be a part The incredible name and Kiddush of such an incredible family! We are all truly Hashem that Hatzolah has created by blessed to have such a dedicated team and its professionalism and integrity and the organisation looking after us! Thank you to comfort it gives people when they see us everyone who dedicates their lives to save arrive on scene. ours!
ARI DA COSTA ARIEL BENDER What Hatzolah does for the community is beyond belief I have learned so much by witnessing the and words cannot describe how lucky we are to have care, compassion and selflessness of our such an unbelievable organisation. Not only am I so amazing team.It is a true honour to be a part grateful to be able to help the community in a such of this family caring for the community at a a meaningful way but I also feel extremely privileged time of need no matter how big or small. to be able to be part of such an incredible family who cares for you no matter what.
ARIEL YUTER ASHER GOLDBERG Helping people in their most desperate time It is an absolute honour and privilege to be part of need is the most rewarding feeling you of this organisation. I am constantly in awe of the can get! selfless commitment of all members of the team at every level. I have been a responder for over 17 years and it has been amazing to watch the development of Hatzolah - in numbers, equipment, skills, community projects and more.
50 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Responders
AVIGDOR HACK AVI JOSEPH I am always amazed at the care and Helping others is a privilege like no other. Being compassion I see on scenes from Hatzolah there for someone during the best and worst responders. It makes me proud to be a part of moments of their lives, giving comfort or a high such an amazing, caring and compassionate five are truly humbling experiences for me. The organisation. added bonus is that I have an opportunity to give back to this unique and wonderful community and to spend time in the ‘trenches’ with real mensches.
AVRAMI NOSSEL BERNARD SEGAL It has been a joy, an honour, and an It’s a privilege & responsibility to be welcomed inspiration to be a part of such wonderful into a family’s world during their most people, doing such amazing things. difficult times and try ones best to provide treatment & care to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient & the family.
CHAIM SARCHI CHAIM SCHNEIDER Adding value to the community is priceless. Hatzolah is an amazing organisation and team to be part of who genuinely cares about its members and well being of the community.
51 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Responders
CHOLI FEINBLUM CLIFFY YUTER Being part of the Hatzolah family has been a I love being part of such an amazing and life changing experience and I look forward to highly respected organisation that truly many years ahead. makes a difference in people’s lives in so many ways. I feel blessed to have colleagues who have become friends, mentors and an incredible support system.
CRAIG STOLLARD DANI TABACK I count myself as very fortunate to work with I am so proud to wear the Hatzolah cap. the amazing members of Hatzolah. Being a small part of an organisation that Each person has so much to offer, I have has actively taken on the responsibility to get learned something from every person I have our community through the unprecedented had the privilege to interact with. times of COVID.
DANIEL FORMAN DANIEL SINGER Chesed. Hatzolah offers us an incredible It’s a proud moment finishing work, going opportunity to reach out and assist the home, putting on the uniform and going to most vulnerable, when they need us most, pick up an ambulance for a shift. In a year and often have nobody to turn to. To be where people were locked inside, it was an able to step up, and go above and beyond, extremely proud moment to be out there for somebody who least expects it is a true protecting the community. privilege.
52 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Responders
DAVID JOFFE DORON DEFRIES It never ceases to amaze me how the I’m very proud to be a member of this Hatzolah team deal with patients and their incredible team. families, the treatment, care and compassion is at such a high standard it is as if we are treating our own families
DORON SUSMAN DORYN MYERS ‘You have not lived today until you have done I’ve always felt the need to be involved with something for someone who can never repay people and activities that benefit others and you’ (John Bunyan) not simply to be self-focused. At Hatzolah I am able, along with like-minded members, to help and improve the lives of others.
ELI LEWENSTEIN GABI BENDER I love being able to go out there and make a Hatzolah medics saved my life. It’s a privilege difference within my community. Knowing for me to be able to pay it forward and serve you are able to lend a hand in a patient’s the community. time of need makes it all worth it.
53 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Responders
GAVIN TUCH HILLY REUBEN I love the adrenaline rush I get when The reason that I love being involved in I respond to a call. Hatzolah is that I love helping people and feel like I am working and volunteering for the most amazing organisation.
JARED LANDSMAN JASON BOME I appreciate the enormous work behind A curiosity for emergency medicine. The adrenaline the scenes that makes Hatzolah such a rush for the unknown. A chance to be part of a successful organisation. family of heroes. An opportunity to learn humility & gratitude. A place to push myself out of my comfort zone. The love for my fellow yid. A duty to make a difference in our community. The honour to save a life. These are the reasons I joined Hatzolah 15 years ago.
JUSTIN FRIEDMAN JOSH GOODMAN What else can I say except that it is an It is a privilege to be a part of the Hatzolah absolute privilege to be involved with family and assist the community in their everyone and every aspect of this world class times of need. organisation
54 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Responders
JOSH GREEN JOSH SMITH Still doing what I love, constantly learning As a person involved in the medical field the and growing whilst being there for those in level of medical care and genuine concern need. I am glad to be a part of a phenomenal for the patient and the patient’s family is team and organisation. unrivaled and unsurpassed.
JOSH VICTOR JUDD BAUM I have learnt so much about our incredible I love helping the community. Jewish community volunteering for Hatzolah I love volunteering to help others in a time - the kindness, care and total support we all of need. It is a great honour to be given the have for one another. I am so grateful for the ability and skills to make a difference in opportunity to be able to give back to the their lives. community and truly make a difference in people’s lives.
JUSTIN GILLMAN LANCE ABRAMSON I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our It is a privilege and an honour to be a community and to be there for our people in part of this team that selflessly goes out their time of need. of their way to serve the community in so many ways.
55 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Responders
LIOR CHERNICK LIAV COHEN It’s a genuine Zechus to be part of an It’s an absolute privilege to be part of such organisation that inevitably goes above and a caring organisation that goes above and beyond for anyone in need, be it medical or beyond for every patient. A big thank you to anything else... and absolutely nothing is the community for its continuous support! either too big or too small.
MATT O’REILLY MEIR ROSENDORFF It’s truly incredible when you have the right I love the feeling of community when people, arriving with the right tools, arriving responding to and helping Jewish families. at the right time. It’s a privilege to be part of this organisation.
MENDY ORELOWITZ MICHAEL WINGRIN It has been an honour and privilege to work I’m grateful for the world class training we as a volunteer paramedic for Hatzolah for the receive and equipment we use. I’m proud past 10 years. The unbelievable commitment to be part of an organisation which is so and service Hatzolah gives our community is focused on helping the community in so humbling and unmatched. many ways.
56 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Responders
MIKE LEWIS MOSHE AMOILS When I think of Hatzolah, I think of Helping people and saving lives has always brotherhood, as the care that we provide to been ingrained in me. I am honoured to be each other is the very same that we provide part of such a professional and well run to the community. I am privileged to part of organisation that allows me to fulfil this. this incredible family.
MOSHE UNTERSLAK NETANEL AZIZ I’m so grateful that I’m able to contribute and I enjoy my role in Hatzolah because it volunteer within an organisation that is so challenges me to think differently from my critical for our community. I love being able day-to-day work and allows me the privilege to give of my time in a positive way to our to help people in a very meaningful way. Jewish community and broader South African community. It’s a privilege to be a part of the Hatzolah family.
RAEL JANKELOWITZ RAFI JUDE I am blessed with the privilege to be part I love being part of Hatzolah as it is to be of this selfless family and phenomenal part of something bigger than oneself. It’s community. a family, a community and most of all a privilege to help others!
57 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Responders
RAPHI DRUION REUVEN JACKS Why do I do it? Personally, there is no better feeling It has been my absolute privilege to have served as than being able to assist those in need, while making a Medical Director of Hatzolah for nearly 2 decades. difference in someone else’s life! What keeps me going? It is amazing to work with the Hatzolah team who The devotion of my fellow members always inspires have such passion and compassion to better the lives me. Men and women with children, jobs and busy lives of those we serve. I join my fellow board members in being available to assist the community in a voluntary commiting to continue to offer the best in medical capacity, often going unnoticed. They keep me going! excellence when serving our community.
RYAN KRAWCHUCK SAUL JASSINOWSKY Working and being involved in an I love the way that the responders and organisation that is always looking to find dispatchers have a team behind us-the new ways to serve the community is truly an organisation is like a family. honour. Hatzolah is an amazing organisation doing incredible things.
URIEL ROSEN WARREN BOME I’m passionate about Hatzolah and Being a responder for over 15 years has been a real emergency medical care and I’m fortunate privilege. Making a difference and helping save lives gives that I get to express this daily as a me perspective and gratitude on how fortunate we are as paramedic, in numerous facets of Hatzolah. a Jewish community that no one should ever feel helpless and alone in times of need. Working alongside all the amazing men and women at Hatzolah is truly special, a bond of brotherhood I cherish and will cherish for the rest of my life.
58 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Responders
WARREN KATZ YAAKOV SUSSMAN Just as Mahatma Gandhi said: I love knowing that I will be able to help someone “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in whether it is physically or emotionally. I am the service of others.” Knowing a difference has amazed and proud of the selflessness and extent been made for a family is priceless. that each member is prepared to go for our community.
YEHUDA SEVITZ YONAH EMANUEL I enjoy being able to help others and make a I am passionate about helping people and meaningful difference in someone’s life. even more so when it comes to saving someone’s life. When we get that thanks for helping someone or saving someone’s life it just makes my passion stronger. Saving one is like saving the world.
YONATAN MOFFSON YONI MINDEL I am fortunate to be part of such a caring Hatzolah provides me with organisation. the opportunity to help people in their time of need.
59 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Responders
YOSEF SHISHLER YUDI SINGER I am truly humbled to be a part of such I feel extremely fortunate to wake up each day, an amazing organisation whilst making a excited to go to work. Despite the unpredictability difference in the community. of the day or night ahead, there is certainty that someone out there will benefit significantly from my attending to their call for help. The necessity to problem solve or improvise in difficult circumstances is very challenging, but the reward is being part of an organisation that will go far beyond any reasonable expectation to improve someone’s life. How lucky I am to be able to say, “I love my job!”
60 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Shabbos Drivers
ALBERT NDLOVU DANIEL RAKGEDI
IRVIN MUNZARA MPHO SELEKE
PETRUS MANYANE PROUD HOVE
SAMUEL GOLOLO SIMON SIBANDA
61 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER 16721_HATZ_Covid19 wellness monitoring campaign_final.p.indd 1 2020/08/12 09:57 Hatzolah During The Pandemic Wellness Programme
It is 6pm at Hatzolah House and there is a lot going on. One of the day crews is returning to base after another long and intense COVID emergency call. The decontamination team has been activated and is currently suiting up, protected and ready to receive and clean the contaminated ambulance used to transport the COVID positive patient. At the same time, two Hatzolah Assist vehicles arrive at the sluice room with the nurses from today’s Wellness Programme patient visits. The nurses are doffing their PPE (personal protective equipment) and handing it to the decon crew to be cleaned and ready for tomorrow’s rounds. The nurses go straight to a debrief session to review today’s patients. This information will be discussed and uploaded to our specially written software, which includes an algorithm designed to assist with deciding how best to proceed with the treatment of each patient. The night shift volunteer dispatcher is getting a handover from the day dispatcher about active calls. The night volunteer responders and Advanced Life Support paramedic are also arriving to check their equipment and collect their vehicles, for what they expect to be another busy shift! At the same time on the other side of the house, the Hatzolah Wellness Programme operations centre is still in full swing; loading new patients onto the system, speaking to doctors to discuss patients’ latest vitals and arranging which patients need to have bloods taken. Case managers are discussing cases with our offsite callers, while arranging delivery of home oxygen to those patients who so desperately need it. The team also deals with patients who urgently need to be admitted to hospital, collecting those who are ready to come home from hospital, as well as any other problems that may arise. 6pm is our busiest time at 29 Durham Street. DANI ABRAMSON
63 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER
Hatzolah During The Pandemic Wellness Programme
Management
Uriel Rosen Dani Abramson Warren Katz David Sacks Ashira Sackstein Manager
Ryan Krawchuk Eli Lewenstein David Joffe
Wellness Kit Deliveries
Mendy Orelowitz Daniel Forman Avi Smith Justin Benatar Alon Joseph
Daniel Singer Judd Baum Yonatan Moffson
66 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Hatzolah During The Pandemic Wellness Programme
2020 brought with it the unexpected and unprecedented global challenge of the Corona virus, and our Johannesburg Jewish community was unfortunately not left untouched. It has indeed been an honour to walk this path with our Covid positive patients on Hatzolah’s wellness monitoring programme. While remotely tracking their progress, or unfortunately sometimes deterioration, we endeavoured to avert any health crisis and facilitated immediate medical intervention and hospitalisation where necessary.
COVID -19 encompasses a significant psychological aspect along with the physical disease. Some patients, understandably, required enormous emotional support, compassion and encouragement to alleviate the associated anxiety, as well as a companion on the phone during the long, lonely days of isolation.
Our patients’ gratitude was palpable but the benefits were not one-sided. I too gained tremendously and learned a great deal while working on this programme. Getting to interact with wonderful people on a daily basis and forming a unique connection with each patient was rewarding and fulfilling. We are grateful that the programme could improve the outcome of contracting Corona virus for so many patients.
This is just another way in which Hatzolah assists our community. ROBYN KAHLBERG
Checking In On Patients
Kira Jacobs Dov Ber Unterslak Lauren Smith Romy Greenberg Justin Gillman
Gabi Chipkin David Ronthal Ronit Janet Darren Kahn Micha Kaplan
Robyn Smookler Tali Flax Tracey Ribeiro Tarryn Rabin Robyn Shapiro
67 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Hatzolah During The Pandemic Wellness Programme
Checking In On Patients
Phillipa Levitan Sharon Newfield Raphi Druion Talya Chemel Asher Goldberg
Chaim Sarchi Robyn Kahlberg Caron Levy Tanya Joselowsky Heidi Bome
Natanya Joseph Sheri Hanson Eitan Ash Lee-Anne Lewis
Nurses
Mandy Mbatha Zee Mtshani Kgomotso Mabena
68 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Hatzolah During The Pandemic Hatzolah Assist
Assist Drivers
Ayanda Mpofu Alpheus Masuku Zenzo Nkomo Vusi Ncube
Hatzolah Assist is Hatzolah’s dedicated lift service, named for its purpose of assisting patients get to or from hospital or a doctor’s appointment, when an ambulance is not required, and they don’t have another way of getting there. In such a case Hatzolah would usually send an Uber to the patient at our own cost.
At the start of lockdown however, the question arose what we would do if a COVID positive patient needed a lift in this situation. We came up with a plan; we would find a driver that is young and healthy and willing to do the lifts. We needed to create a division to separate the front and back of a vehicle, provide the driver with a N95 mask, face shield and protective clothing, and after the trip the inside of the vehicle would be thoroughly wiped down and fogged. The driver would then be available for the next call.
Candidates were interviewed, a driver selected, his vehicle adapted and Hatzolah Assist was born. We took our first COVID patient home after being discharged from hospital, at the beginning of June.
After getting this off the ground, the next step was to arrange a nurse to be taken to high risk COVID patients on our wellness monitoring programme, and assess them at home. As calls were picking up, we soon realized that one vehicle wasn’t enough and a second would be needed. At this point a second driver with a vehicle was brought on board.
We now have four vehicles and four drivers on the road, available for calls 24/7. The drivers are extremely busy, transporting non-emergency patients and taking nurses on their daily rounds to visit high risk patients. Sadly, our drivers have even taken patients to their spouse’s funeral, where they otherwise would not have been able to be there. To date Hatzolah Assist has completed over 650 calls, with numbers going up all the time.
This service has benefited not only the patients affected by COVID in our community, but has had enormous advantages in saving Hatzolah’s precious resources. Where possible patients are comfortably transported by car instead of dispatching an entire ambulance crew, thus saving the already stretched responders physically and emotionally for true emergencies.
HILLY REUBEN
Hatzolah Wishlist
Item Quantity Price per unit New stretchers 5 R120 000 AED (Automated External Defibrillator) 10 R16 000 Inverters 10 R 8000 Oxygen Concentrators 10 R 15 000 Rescue Equipment R 28 688 Stair Chair R 33 800
69 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Hatzolah During The Pandemic Hatzolah Decontamination
Hatzolah Decontamination Team
Sisqo Buthulezi Tye Shuro
Infection Prevention and Control
At the end of 2019, I completed a post grad course in Infection Prevention and Control through Wits Medical School. The timing could not have been better. With the new knowledge acquired, the entire range of chemicals for cleaning, decontaminating and sterilizing Hatzolah equipment and vehicles was upgraded. Our protocols were updated to include the decontamination of our ambulance fleet with regard to highly infectious patients; who knew this would lay the groundwork for COVID-19?
There is cleaning and then there is cleaning. Cleaning involves 3 stages.
1. Cleaning – removing any visible soil, bodily fluids, blood etc. – good old antiseptic soap and water.
2. Disinfection – reducing the number of viable infectious agents – the interior of the vehicles is washed with third generation QAC (quaternary ammonium compound) products.
3. Sterilization – to render the vehicle or instrument free of viable infectious agents – this is carried out by fogging the vehicles with vaporized hydrogen peroxide. Re-usable instruments are autoclaved afterwards following a strict protocol.
This process takes approximately an hour per vehicle.
Before COVID-19, our ambulances and the equipment used on every call were cleaned and disinfected after every call, with the sterilization taking place weekly or after transporting highly infectious patients. With the arrival of COVID-19, Hatzolah implemented an enhanced decontamination protocol. This included dedicating certain ambulances as COVID-19 ambulances, with partitions to protect the driver’s cabin, used to transport positive patients and PUI’s (patients under investigation). Low risk patients are transported in our regular ambulances. The cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of the COVID-19 ambulances takes place after every emergency and our regular ambulances are fogged every morning and evening, before a new shift starts, as a precaution.
As the number of calls increased during the day and the night, a plan was made to assist first our volunteer night responders and then the full-time responders with decontaminating ambulances. Our team of Shabbos drivers was trained in how to decontaminate the vehicles, as well as how to don and doff the PPE (personal protective equipment) required to keep themselves safe during these tasks. These gentlemen cover the night shift, allowing the quick turnaround of ambulances and responders to service the increased demand in emergency calls. Sisqo and Tye joined the day team and after training, took over the cleaning and decontamination of the entire fleet of Hatzolah vehicles, as well as volunteers’ vehicles when they have capacity.
The urgent need for PPE became a priority early in the year and a small team was created to source and secure the needs of Hatzolah for what we knew was coming. The planning involved finding the best N95 respirator masks, gowns, suits, aprons and other consumables and then securing enough stock to last till the end of 2020. The task has been extremely challenging, with stock shortages, prices going through the roof and stockpiling, but the team has managed to ensure that every responder has had the requisite PPE to service all the calls we have faced so far. Every responder and the cleaning teams were trained in the safe and methodical donning and doffing of PPE, which is critical to ensure their safety from infection. BERNARD SEGAL
70 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Message From The Logistics & Fleet Manager
In the rear with the gear
There is some debate as to the origin of the saying “in the rear with the gear.” Some believe it originated during the allied landings at Normandy during WW2, while others say it emerged with the U.S. armed forces in the Vietnam conflict. Either way, it quickly became the rallying cry for the support services in the U.S. armed forces. While soldiers were at the front, the support teams, whether for food, clothing, equipment, ammunition etc., were based safely out of harm’s way…..In the rear with the gear. Somebody had to ensure that the soldiers at the fore had everything they needed to continue. While Hatzolah Medical Rescue JHB isn’t quite on the same scale as the U.S. army, it nevertheless requires a fairly large logistical support system and infrastructure. Somebody needs to ensure that the incredible team of dispatchers and responders are capable of fulfilling their duties. Hatzolah has a team that remains in the rear with the gear. To mention a few, there is fleet maintenance, stock management, IT, 2-way radio network, sourcing new products and technologies or to sum up in one sentence just making sure that everything works all the time!! Hatzolah has a fleet of 10 vehicles; 5 ambulances, 2 Advanced Life Support response cars and 2 volunteer response cars, plus a logistics vehicle. These vehicles tend to take a bit of a pounding, due to the nature of the needs they fulfil. While every care is taken in the use and maintenance of the vehicles, we do tend to go through brake pads a little more frequently than your average family vehicle. As can be expected, we have break downs, blowouts or punctures, sometimes even on the way to an emergency. When this happens the aim is to take another ambulance to the team immediately, get them going and then get the broken down vehicle back to base. When a new ambulance is put on the road, it hardly resembles the vehicle that was initially delivered; we remove the back seats, we repanel the boarding, we add emergency lights, interior lights, a siren, radio, lighting and basically turn the back of the vehicle into a mini hospital ward. We require 220V power to keep the equipment on charge, achieved with an external power management system and some nifty electrical design. We brand the vehicle with a highly reflective material for added safety, ours and yours. The logistics team must ensure that every time a responder, full-time or volunteer, needs to restock their personal jumpbag or the ambulance, after calls, the stock is available for them on a 24/7 basis. Sounds easier than it is…..we can never have a situation when a lifesaving piece of equipment is not available or not charged. When Hatzolah performs drills of large, exciting simulations, the responders rush to the scene, the adrenaline pumps, the excitement rises, while we in logistics rush to our offices and the stock room, preparing for that call for resupplies or any other requirements on scene or assisting dispatchers with whatever they need. Hatzolah strives to be at the forefront of medical equipment and on the technical spectrum. This includes our 2-way radio communication network, which lies at the very heart of what we do. Unfortunately, advancement in this field is sometimes hindered by the infrastructure or reliability of our national providers, such as load shedding affecting the cell phone towers, preventing us from migrating to a GSM system. However plans are in place to circumnavigate this challenge. Another key factor is sourcing the correct emergency care equipment and researching the latest lifesaving products to better serve the community. With so much choice out there, it’s vital that the correct equipment is procured, the right quality at the right price. When COVID-19 hit home at Hatzolah, all the best laid plans for a smooth year were blown out of the window. Suddenly, items never before considered vital, became the most sought-after pieces of equipment. It was incredible to see not only the logistics department, but the entire organisation change course to tackle the COVID challenge head on. The battle plan was created, negotiations started, lists were drawn up, budgets planned and orders placed. We had entered the race to secure PPE (personal protective equipment) for our responders. Thanks to our network of contacts and suppliers, we feel safe in the knowledge that our responders are going out dressed in the best and most appropriate PPE. The running of the logistics department is usually accomplished smoothly, sometimes the waters get a bit choppy, occasionally the sharks circle and at times it feels like a tsunami. Through all of this however, I can always rely on my ever-present, always capable assistant, Albert Ndlovu; a man who truly goes way above and beyond for Hatzolah and the community. I would also like to thank all our suppliers and service providers, who do more than is required, keeping our vehicles on the road , the IT running, the stock levels full, all playing a large role in keeping this machine called Hatzolah running. Where would I rather be, in the front or in the rear with the gear? It matters not, as either way it’s an honour and privilege to be part of such an extraordinary organisation that serves such a generous and amazing community.
RYAN KRAWCHUCK
71 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Hatzolah During The Pandemic Wellness Monitoring Programme brief summary as at Sunday 16th August
Patients are delivered a pulse-oximeter and thermometer. They are called daily, sometimes more often. Their vitals are captured in custom built software which tracks and trends how the patient is doing. Based on the results the course of treatment is determined – keep monitoring, suspected deterioration or move to hospital.
We have monitored and cared for 884 COVID positive patients to date. This has required a team of 50 staff made up of full time employees and volunteers. Who have made over 11,495 calls to patients. We have 3 full time nurses working for us to look after the more unwell patients.
Should a patient deteriorate, we consult with the patient’s GP and arrange a nurse visit with one of the 3 nurses. Nurses are able to run ECGs, take blood tests and do a more thorough medical examination of the patient.
We have done over 500 nurse visits to date.
If the patient deteriorates further and needs to be hospitalised, our ambulance teams move the patient to hospital.
We have moved 76 patients off the programme and into hospital (8,5%).
We have 4 Uber like drivers working for us full time, to move the nurses around and to move COVID positive patients who don’t need an ambulance. The vehicle cabin is separated between driver and nurse/patient. Drivers come back to base straight after dropping a patient for the vehicle to be deconned and fogged. The drivers are on call 24/7.
They have made over 850 trips
We have decon crews working at the base 24/7. The aim is to reduce the time an ambulance and its crew are out of service. The ambulance crew comes to the base after a COVID call, leaves the contaminated ambulance with the decon team and takes a clean ambulance. This ensures the ambulance team is back in service quickly to respond to the next emergency.
CRU is a team made up of trained mental wellness professionals.
During normal times they come out to more traumatic scenes to assist family members and bystanders who have witnessed trauma. The CRU team have set up an emotional support line for those feeling anxious, overwhelmed, worried, confused or scared. They also call patients on the wellness programme who are going through a particularly emotional time.
Our dispatchers have received 4797 phone calls since the start of COVID.
Our ambulances have responded through to 967 medical emergencies, many of these being to COVID positive patients.
Home Wellness – 060 985 7030 www.hatzolahwellness.co.za
Emotional Wellness line – 010 140 3270 www.hatzolahwellness.co.za
Emergency Line – 083 222 1818 www.hatzolah.co.za
72 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER
Hatzolah Connect
Teen years are difficult and with no-one to talk to, teens can sink into a depression and despair and sometimes may even feel suicidal. A lot of teenagers feel like they do not have anyone whom they can talk to who can understand their problems. They just want someone to acknowledge them, listen to them and validate what they are going through. With Hatzolah Teen Chat Line, you need not feel alone! We have a team of dedicated and trained volunteers who are waiting to respond on a secure and confidential online platform. As a teen your job is to learn and grow- stress, anxiety and depression can interfere with that but talking to someone can really help.
The teen line is really easy to use. All it takes is just three simple steps: 1. Download Telegram from your App store 2. Save Hatzolah’s teen line number in your phone 3. Start Chatting
Teen Chat Line is a free and completely confidential service that caters to teens from every walk of life in our Jewish Community. When you contact the line, you will receive an automated message welcoming you to our platform. Depending on your need, you may request to be connected with a counsellor online, to be called back by a trained counsellor so that you can chat over the phone or to be connected to our emergency medical dispatch line. Should you want to continue online, a counsellor will connect with you within a few minutes… stay online! The Counsellors have been trained in basic and advanced counselling skills as well as in bereavement, trauma counselling, domestic violence, child abuse, suicide prevention and emergency assessment.
Our chat line aims to help teens move from their moment of crisis where things feel unmanageable to creating a plan that will help them feel better. Sometimes all we need is a safe space where we can be heard and understood, and this is what Hatzolah Teen Line is there for! SHERI HANSON
16739_Hatzolah Connect_final 137hx 210(w)_P.indd 1 2020/08/17 15:38 EMOTIONAL SUPPORT LINE 010 140 3270 Our operating times are 7am – 10pm daily.
16721_HATZ_Covid19 CRU Advert_Final.indd 1 2020/08/14 08:38 Team Hatzolah Crisis Response Unit
ALON JOSEPH ANDI BENGIS To be able to offer psychological first aid to I love being part of such an amazing and those in need. When people are experiencing highly respected organisation that truly their darkest moments we are there to offer makes a difference in people’s lives in so support. many ways. I feel blessed to have colleagues who have become friends, mentors and an incredible support system.
ARI KIEVMAN ARIELLE SUSMAN It’s a privilege to be there for people in a time I feel blessed to be part of an organisation of need. Hatzolah was quick to respond to the which is attuned to the needs of the new realities of COVID-19 and trained us to community and keeps improving their variety adapt accordingly. of services to adapt to current times.
AVI JOSEPH BERNARD SEGAL We generally have the first contact with the Having been a responder for 15 years, the people who have experienced acute stress and transition into crisis response is something trauma. We are, therefore, in a position to provide we do daily. The training Hatzolah provides the needed mental health assistance to these us, gives us the tools & skills to help at this individuals. Being able to help these people in some small way through their trauma is both awe- difficult time. inspiring and at times overwhelming but I wouldn’t swap it for anything in the world.
76 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Crisis Response Unit
CARON LEVY CLIVE BREGER The emotional fallout of trauma and death, and our response to this, It is heartwarming to see how the CRU comprises our CRU. We respond to community members who need our psychological first aid after the Hatzolah paramedics have rendered team has made such a meaningful medical assistance. It is an honour and a distinction to be able to serve impact assisting the community in our community in this way, holding fellow Jews emotionally during times of crisis. their time of sorrow. Sometimes our roles are purely assisting with logistics in times of devastation, while other times, the heartbreak and despair of a community member with a death or trauma of a loved one, requires much compassion, care, empathy, insight, professionalism and dedication. It is with much humility that I am able to assist in these worst of times.
EITAN ASH ELIMELECH GARTNER To be a part of the Hatzolah team is the greatest Being part of such a spectacular honour. There is one focus only in this organisation and professional and dedicated team is a that is to help those in need. There is no hesitation and constant reminder of how blessed we are no holding back when it comes to saving a life. This team looks after its members and those in need alike. I am part of many organisations, but very few carry the honour and privilege that Hatzolah does.
GILLY LEVY HEIDI BOME Privileged and humbled to be I am always inspired and humbled by the part of this initiative. professional, compassionate and amazing manner in which every person in this incredible organisation works.
77 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Crisis Response Unit
JESSICA VINOKUR JUSTIN GILLMAN In a world where there is so much chaos, Knowing that people are in great pain unknown and pain, I, along with the rest emotionally and having the skills to ease of the Jewish community feel grateful and that pain is key to being an asset on the CRU proud to have this ever evolving organisation team. both representing and servicing us every day with consistent care and genuine love for their fellow human beings.
LANCE ABRAMSON LEE-ANNE LEWIS Mental Wellness is as important as physical I am amazed at the level of professionalism wellness and it is therefore amazing to have the and integrity that Hatzolah provides to our expertise of our CRU members as an integral community. All responders training and level of part of our team. skill is super polished as well as the generous care, respect and empathy that is shown toward each person and their family. I am fortunate to be a part of such a selfless organisation.
MARC SMITH MICHA KAPLAN What I love about Hatzolah is that it I switched from being a volunteer responder to a CRU provides me with one of the best responder when the Unit started in 2018. I am thankful opportunities to be able to actualize the to continue being able to help those members of our Mitzvah of loving a fellow Jew in a very real community in their most trying moments. I am forever and unconditional way. thankful to Hatzolah for training us and putting this team together and even more so to the team for their tremendous support and building our group into what we are.
78 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Crisis Response Unit
MICHELE ZAIL NIRELLE CHERNICK Being part of CRU/ Hatzolah is so humbling, Hatzolah is a one of a kind organisation that to be part of such a dedicated, committed shows love and care from the inside out. team of people who live Ahavas Yisrael. Since the organisation’s core is strong, its Being a part of a beacon of light by being capabilities are so great. there for fellow Jews in their darkest moments.
PINCHAS SHIEL REUVEN JACKS In seeing Hatzolah from the inside I am blown As a Trauma Surgeon I am usually quite busy away by the level of professionalism and the treating severe patients and don’t often get commitment to providing the community a chance to spend time with family. After with ongoing support medically and joining the CRU and getting a chance to be emotionally. involved in its work, I am proud that Hatzolah can offer such holistic care to our community.
ROBYN KAHLBERG ROBYN SMOOKLER The Corona virus pandemic presented a new It is the greatest privilege to be involved in opportunity for using CRU skills, in providing an organisation that cares about one thing - emotional support while monitoring COVID saving lives. Be it physical or emotional, the positive patients in our community, and way that Hatzolah truly cares goes above and alleviating the anxiety and loneliness felt by beyond anything you could imagine. some while recovering in isolation
79 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Crisis Response Unit
SERENNE KAPLAN SHEREEN SACKS Membership to the CRU and Hatzolah family I love being given the opportunity to do some has enhanced and added immeasurable value good for others by being a volunteer for to my life. Hatzolah.
SHERI HANSON TANYA JOSELOWSKY I am so grateful to be working for an Besides for providing psychological first aid, organisation that treats the physical, mental we are also equipped with toys and colouring and psychological needs of our community as books, to help children stay calm. We also their number one priority! have tehillim books for those who want to say tehillim in times of need. I have seen these small gestures make a HUGE impact in times of crisis.
URIEL ROSEN YUDI SINGER The unusual circumstances brought on by It is really incredible that we have a team of the Corona virus pandemic, has caused experts dedicated to provide the much needed increased collaboration and integration of psychological and emotional support to family our crisis response unit with the medical and bystanders on terribly difficult scenes. It is side of Hatzolah. This is a positive spin off so important to look after the mental health and wellbeing of these victims, as they too are in a very challenging time. experiencing significant pain.
80 083 222 1818 EMERGENCY NUMBER Team Hatzolah Crisis Response Unit
JULIE SHILL I feel truly privileged and honoured to be working with such a dedicated and professional team and to be given the opportunity to give back to our community in such an unconditional way.
PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID (PFA) AND THE CRISIS RESPONSE UNIT (CRU) Just as a parent’s ear is attuned to the singular cry of their own baby, so too when the custom-set notification of my CRU WhatsApp group is activated, all my senses are alerted. There is a crisis in the community, requiring the immediate despatching of trained members of the CRU team. Within seconds a group will be assembled and headed out to their destination. “Kol Israel areivim ze l’zeh.” Hatzolah is built upon the tenet of Chesed. “Olam Chesed Ibaneh.” It is both in the Jewish spirit and in the spirit of Hatzolah to lend a hand to the community. As our trainer from United Hatzolah Israel, Rabbi Avi Tenenbaum, is quoted as saying “It is the humane thing to do.” Mental health organisations, such as WHO (World Health Organisation), The Red Cross and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, worldwide actively promote PFA as being helpful during pandemics and disasters. Hatzolah recognises that when people experience a trauma, they are not only affected physically, but emotionally as well. The aim of PFA is to provide a non-intrusive and compassionate connection to people who have just suffered a trauma, attend to basic needs, and provide emotional and physical comfort. PFA is designed to reduce the initial stress caused by traumatic events and to foster short-term and long- term mental health. The emotional support that one receives at the time of a traumatic incident may positively impact on the development of resilience, which one needs to recover. Often it is the simple and most basic form of human connections and outreach that have the most lasting impacts – a supportive arm, a chair upon which to sit, a blanket to cover a trembling body, fetching a glass of water, a hot cup of tea or offering a pack of tissues. Immediately following a particularly stressful event or unexpected life crisis, an Acute Stress Response (ASR) may occur which is a completely normal reaction to an abnormal event. The symptoms develop quickly but do not usually last long. As the body gets triggered into a flight/fight response and cortisol and adrenaline get released into the bloodstream, various symptoms might be felt, such as nausea, dizziness, trembling or shaking, dry mouth, pounding heart, extreme thirst or cold, sweaty hands, tense muscles, shock and most notably feelings of extreme helplessness and powerlessness. Everyone experiences trauma in their own unique way, and it is the role of the crisis response unit to help people understand that their responses are normal, to assist with whatever practical issues need to be addressed at the time, and to link people with the correct resources and support. In the moment of intense emotional trauma, PFA allows the affected person to focus on where they are and which of their own inner resources are immediately available to them. It helps to empower them and build their own resilience with a trained professional at their side. PFA also provides a sense of calm, a sense of safety and confidence and to know what resources the community has available to them. Right now, we are in the midst of a world pandemic with COVID-19, and the future is still very uncertain. Members of the Crisis Response Unit have been available on the Hatzolah Emotional Support line, to support community members through the fear, loneliness, isolation and emotional stress that the pandemic has placed on us. In addition to the trauma of the pandemic, other traumas such as home invasions, motor vehicle accidents, fires and untimely deaths unfortunately continue to occur and the Crisis Response Unit have been trained in the use of PPE equipment so that we can continue to safely provide emotional support through these trying times. COVID-19 has caused a major disruption in both personal and family life. People are financially stressed, jobs have been lost, there are feelings of extreme isolation and extreme loneliness. Being able to reach out to an empathic, understanding and supportive voice on the other end of the phone is often all that is needed to lift one’s spirits and shine a ray of light on a world currently so unpredictable.
The poet Rilke said, “Ultimately, it’s upon our vulnerability that we depend.” We depend on others when we’re infants. We depend upon others to stop at the red light so we can go through the green. In so many ways, we’re interwoven with one another, and we’re vulnerable. JULIE SHILL Found on Facebook Hatzolah Medical Rescue JHB
It’s been a busy 24hrs at Hatzolah. #SaferAtHome
May Hashem continue to watch over and protect the entire HATZOLAH team now and always
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You are all amazing. From the people who answer the telephone to the frontline workers. Each one of you is a star. Thank you Hatzolah.So proud and grateful Like Reply
BH for Hatzolah! Stay safe! And thank you Like Reply
Incredible people, incredible organisation.. Simply the best Like Reply Hatzolah Medical Rescue JHB July 5 at 5:11 PM
Hatzolah has seen a big increase in our call volumes over the last two months and a large number of these calls have been COVID related. A big shout out to our teams who are working tirelessly on the road.
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You guys put your lives on the line for all of us! Thankyou for all your hard work, and caring!
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Such respect for the dedicated work Hatzolah are doing for our community. I am in awe at the level of care and dedication the paramedics give to their patients. Thank you for your endless work and support to the community.
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Amen. Hatzolah Medical Rescue Jhb always go beyond their call of duty... Everything is done with such devotion from a place of angelic integrity... We are truly all blessed to have them within our existence.... They have touched my family’s hearts in a very special way..... May Hashem bless each and every team members lives... Keep them safe and healthy.... Like Reply We are so blessed to have Hatzolah They do the most amazing work and should be given support by all
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We sure are blessed to have these amazing people always there to help and support the community. Stay safe and thank you for all you do.
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It’s very comforting knowing that you are always there for our community and beyond. Especially during these frightening times.THANK YOU
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You ANGELS at HATZOLAH, I am not well but I know you are ALWAYS there thanks so much special warriors
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June 27
In the past 25 hours I have witnessed heroes of our community do more for us than you would ever know. How do I know? My amazing wife, Talya Chemel, is a Hatzolah dispatcher and was on duty over this past Shabbat. She spent her whole Shabbat, and I mean her WHOLE Shabbat, dealing with emergencies and COVID-19 related issues. From start to end, Tali and her amazing team of responders dutifully and bravely were saving lives without complaining, without hesitation, as if it were their only worries in the world. During Shabbat meals when we all enjoying our hot soup and perogan, they are out there taking care of the elderly and the sick. They do it at 2am, 3am, 4am, 5am while travelling around Joburg in the freezing cold while we are all sleeping happily in our warm rooms. At 8am, after no sleep, they continue to do their thing while we enjoy our hot cuppa and roegelach. Ordinarily these heroes would be having a delicious shabbat lunch, a much needed Shabbat shlof, and some more food during seudah 3. But no. They spent their entire Shabbat treating and saving lives. While we remain locked down in fear of Corona, they are literally going out of their way to help people who are confirmed Corona patients. Is this normal? No. But it’s necessary. And these legends are risking everything for it. Not to mention the endless hours they put in, every single day, in phoning everyone in the community to make sure their fevers aren’t too high and their breaths aren’t too short, and that they aren’t at risk while having Corona. And if they are, they are ready to help them. We are safe because of them. I know it will be hard for you to understand the lengths at which these guys go to in order to make sure we are safe and healthy because you don’t see what they have been doing during this time. But take it from me. I see it every day. It is another level of mesirat nefesh and commitment to this community. Next time you see these heroes say thank you. If you see them at Pie Works, buy them that damn pie. If you see them at a coffee shop, buy them that coffee because they haven’t slept in 24 hours. Give them a socially distant high five, a smile and a few words of chizzuk. They need it! We are BLESSED to have Hatzolah. To have these heroes look after us. Thank you Hatzolah Medical Rescue JHB.
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Like Comment Share Hatzolah are the life line of our community! We salute you!!
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Yasher koach and thank you Talya Chemel and all the Hatzolah Hero’s. Your mesirat nefesh doesn’t go unnoticed and we are so grateful to this incredible organisation and the angels who volunteer so selflessly
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We are so grateful to have Hatzolah and can’t thank you enough! It is such a comfort to know you are there are for us. We are indebted to all of you!
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Hatzolah are unbelievable! I came out of isolation last week shabbos and was still on the COVID monitoring program till Wednesday. Isolation is very lonely and knowing that someone out there cares enough to call you everyday is what gets you through it! HUGE shout out to Robyn Kahlberg!!!! Thank you thank you thank you! Like Reply
Thank you for this meaningful post Aharon Chemel. Hatzolla gives so much real emergency help and offers a sense of safety and relief just by knowing they are there for everyone all the time. Kol Hakavod and THANK YOU to everyone at Hatzola and their families who do without their precious HATZOLA MOMS, DADS, KIDS and SIBLINGS who work tirelessly to keep Joburg safe. Bless you all
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You put into words, what so many of us feel in our hearts. I heard the sirens all shabbat, and thought to myself, how blessed we are to have hatzola. These brave, strong, beautiful, unconditional givers, do not go unnoticed we salute these heroes, and speak of them with awe and admiration. The jewish community in Johannesburg is legendary because of these brave super heroes! Thank you! And just to add, I am equally grateful to the husbands, mothers and children who send their loved ones out and wait at home praying for their safe return. We are blessed!
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What an incredible organisation. I’m so proud to be Jewish and the way our community rallies together to help each other. Thank you Hatzolah you guys give it your all and put the community first before yourselves. Kol hakavod
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this is a wonderful post .thank you Hatzolah Medical Rescue JHB for everything you do . to everyone. we appreciate all you do. may you all the responders the paramedics and their families be blessed.
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Total RESPECT and admiration and appreciation for these unsung heroes thank you for helping us all so selflessly
Like Reply Hatzolah Medical Rescue JHB June 23 at 9:55 AM
Hi moms - this is a shout-out to Hatzolah Medical Rescue JHB! My husband tested positive for COVID around 2 weeks ago. He has been isolating away from our house and was obviously really anxious about developing symptoms, as he was asymptomatic when he tested positive.
Hatzolah phoned him upon hearing that he tested positive, they went to assess him and provided him with a thermometer and pulse oximeter. Based on their analysis of his symptoms, they have been phoning him everyday/ every second day to check up on him. *This is all done free of charge! We are beyond blessed to have an organisation like this in our community and we are certainly grateful for everything they have done, and continue to do for us. They are a team of remarkable “angels on earth”.
EDIT - despite being asymptomatic, the anxiety and stress of having a potentially fatal virus is enormous and takes a serious toll on the whole family! My family have taken lockdown very seriously, we haven’t engaged in any social activities, we haven’t had any play dates or outings and we seldom go to the shops, but rather rely on online deliveries. So this virus is certainly around us at the moment - please stay safe everyone!
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Well done Hatzolah . Thank you for not only our community but to mankind
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They are Absolute Earth Angels & Heroes
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Totally agree-they deserve all the kudos and support from our community. They have taken care and concern to another level Like Reply
What an amazing group of caring people, we can be so proud of such an incredible service offered by our community, this is definitely a charity that I support whenever I can
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Hatzolah deserve serious kudos! I was experiencing shooting pains and a mild burning sensation in my chest. Slight difficulty with my breathing - No other symptoms. I tested positive and Hatzolah immediately contacted me. They made me aware that as an asthmatic I am higher risk and that we need to monitor my symptoms. They have been monitoring my oxygen/pulse and calling 2/3 times a day to take a reading. Please give them your financial support if you’re in the position. They have been unbelievably caring, gentle, patient and supportive!
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I tested positive in March and I would not have managed without Hatzolah.... They are my heros
Like Reply Hatzolah Medical Rescue JHB July 24
Thank you to our very special Jhb community for the most special video that you surprised us with, it meant so much to us! Thank you!!
YOUR COMMUNITY HAS SOMETHING THEY WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU....
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Special people who help all at 24/7. So proud of you all. We are forever grateful to you and your families. Thank you. Be safe and may Hashem bless you all. Like Reply
You are beyond amazing. We are more than blessed for your selfless dedication to our Community. May you all stay safe and healthy, and may Hashem always watch over you. Like Reply
Such a beautiful and meaningful tribute to an incredible team. Hatzolah you are so appreciated. Thank you Thank you for all you do for our community. Like Reply
Thank you guys...there are no words to express how my heart is filled with so much gratitude and love and respect for every single one of you. Like Reply
We’ve had the privilege of their assistance in the past and all I can say is they are silent angels who go above and beyond. Thank you for all you do. Like Reply
Kol hakavod. Wow I’m blown away. So proud to be able to call myself a member of the Johannesburg jewish community. So proud to be Jewish. Keep safe and healthy. I salute you all Like Reply Hugo’s Heroes
We are very proud to welcome our course of 2020 Hugo’s Heroes Graduates. We, Baruch Hashem, managed to complete our course prior to lockdown and we are looking forward to a post-Corona graduation.
It was an unbelievable group of students to lecture and truly incredible to witness this group’s thirst for knowledge and desire to be involved in this programme.
With our incredible team of lecturers, admin and directors’ input we managed to orchestrate a premium group of students and the outcome reflects this.
We are really looking forward to working with you all in the near future.
HUGO’S HEROES MANAGEMENT. HILLY REUBEN AND TEAM
WARREN KATZ HILLY REUBEN NATANYA JOSEPH What an awesome experience I have loved the ability to train It is an indescribable feeling to hear giving over knowledge, skills and individuals in first aid. It’s rewarding that someone perfectly executed a vital life saving lessons to eager to know that these individuals are skill, be it at home or school, which and enthusiastic teens. Their will helping others in their schools from you helped them achieve. Assisting in and want to learn and give of knowledge gained through the Hugo’s Heroes girls’ project has themselves to others is the reward in this programme. been an absolute privilege. They are itself. I thank the Hugo’s Heroes all so passionate and ready to join the for teaching me. team and put in 100% effort both at I really look forward to seeing their training and events. I am excited and success in the future. look forward to watching them grow and see where the skills they have learnt take them in the future.
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AKIVA BAUM ARYEH DOV KAPLAN I have always admired the incredible work The reason that I chose to become a that Hatzolah has done for the community Hugo’s Hero is because I wanted to make and this is why I decided to join Hugo’s a difference in someone’s life. I wanted to Heroes. I want to make a difference and be gain the knowledge I would need to help part of this amazing organisation! in an emergency and I wanted to have a meaningful way to give!
ARYEH LEIB ZETISKY ASHER LEVENSTEIN It is so comforting to know that I have an To me, Hugo’s Heroes represents a way to extended family through Hugo’s Heroes, give back to my community and presents that comes together no matter what the an opportunity to be involved in something circumstances are. much bigger than myself.
BINYAMIN NEMENTZIK DAVID KLOMPAS I chose to apply to Hugo’s Heroes to learn to I wanted to become a Hugo’s Hero help my peers and those around me when because I think that it is an incredible they need. Having done the course has given initiative and essential. I wanted to be part me an opportunity to see what really helping of it to contribute to the community. I people is about. Seeing how much time and feel quite honoured to be involved in this effort is put into each one of us. Thank you to programme. all the people who went to so much effort to get me through.
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DAVID LURIE ELIEZER ZAIDEN I wanted to join Hugo’s Heroes because I am I am so grateful to be part of this incredible Hugo’s very interested in emergency medical care Heroes team, especially seeing how many people and wanted to have the training to properly are being effected by things like the Corona Virus. I help people in an emergency situation. see this as a major step towards being able to help our community members and being able to give back to Hatzolah.
GABRIEL KAHLBERG GAVRIEL LACOB I joined Hugo’s Heroes to have the I chose to join Hugo’s Heroes in order to learn opportunity to help others. Being on the how to treat a person if they need help. Hugo’s Heroes team means I am privileged to be part of something bigger than myself.
JESSE FEIGENBAUM NATHAN ROSEN I have always wanted to be a doctor and help I chose to join Hugo’s Heroes because I people.I have been eager to start young so when wanted to make a difference and help others Hugo’s Heroes became an option, it was the best around me. Being part of Hugo’s Heroes thing I had ever heard of and I was determined to means that I am part of a good cause and make it. Being in Hugo’s Heroes means so much part of a community. to me I finally get to partially “practice medicine” and I get to help people, I am so grateful I was chosen.
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SHLOMO WOLPE YEHUDA SUSSMAN I have always admired Hatzolah as an incredible Watching my dear brother fighting for his organisation. They fill a great need in the life in front of my eyes is a trauma I won’t community. They are professional, selfless, kind ever forget. From that moment I decided next and dedicated individuals. I have always wanted to make a difference and help people. I feel privileged time I see someone struggling I want to be to have been trained as part of Hugo’s Heroes. able to help but I first needed to learn how to Thank you to Hilly, Wazza, Daniel Singer and help so I decided to join Hugo’s Heroes. Uriel Rosen. I loved learning from all of you.
ARIELLA FEINBLUM ARIELLA FRIEDLAND Joining Hugo’s Heroes was an amazing Being a part of Hugo’s Heroes means being experience filled with so much knowledge responsible to help my school become a safe and skills that I know we will be able to use environment for learners. within our community! It is a privilege to be part of this incredible initiative.
ELISHEVA SNOYMAN ERIN GOTTLEIB Hatzolah has provided the skills to equip us Hugo’s Heroes has given me the skills and to be able to act immediately to help and knowledge to help others and contribute ultimately save a life! I feel so privileged to toward my community. It means so much to be involved with Hatzolah and to be involved me to be able to do this in Hugo’s honour! with people who all have the same drive to help and contribute to the community. I have enormous gratitude to the whole team!
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KAYLA KAY NER-ELLE NETZER I have gained so much from our course. Not I chose to be in Hugo’s Heroes because after only do I now have an extensive knowledge school I would love to get a degree in nursing and I of first aid but I have also experienced the thought that having the experience of a level three power of teamwork and how working with first aider would help show me a bit of the medical side of being a nurse. Being part of Hugo’s Heroes a team towards a common goal makes an means a lot me because it was the most incredible intense situation, less intense. and rewarding experience I have ever had.
NOA BOME ORA STOLLARD The reason I got involved with Hugo’s Heroes I chose to be part of Hugo’s Heroes because I enjoy was because, I wanted to learn new skills helping people and I understand that in order to and wanted to be involved in this amazing help those in need,and be effective, I will need the organisation that is filled with chesed. It necessary technical knowledge and skills. Being means so much to me that I got into Hugo’s a part of Hugo’s Heroes means that I now have the technical knowledge and the skill set to help Heroes, and had this amazing experience. people if need be.
PNINA SMITH RIVKA FREEMAN I chose Hugo’s Heroes because I always I chose to be part of Hugos Heroes because admire the people who have the ability to I saw what a huge impact it has on the save a life and I wanted that ability too. Being community. To me Hugo’s Heroes means life. a part of Hugo’s Heroes means so much to It means the ability to save or extend a life me. I now have the knowledge and ability to and I will forever be grateful for that. protect or save the lives of the people around me.
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RUTI KOPPING SARA KAUFFMAN I chose to join Hugo’s Heroes for an opportunity to I chose to join Hugo’s Heroes because it was help me grow in my knowledge about helping people in an opportunity to learn how to help people difficult situations. And also to give back to Hatzolah and how to react in an emergency situation and the community. Coming out of Hugo’s Heroes I feel and make a difference. Being part of Hugo’s like I have got the skills that I need, (and please G-d I will never need to use them). More than just acquiring Heroes is a privilege and a responsibility. knowledge, I have learnt so many important life skills which I hope please G-d to take along with me in my life.
SARA TROPE SHAYNA FEITELBERG I joined Hugo’s Heroes because I wanted to I chose to join Hugo’s Heroes because I learn how to make a difference. Being a part wanted to learn how to help people and deal of Hugo’s Heroes makes me understand that with an emergency. Being a part of Hugo’s I have the responsibility and ability to help Heroes means that I have the skills people. After the course I feel and know that to help people in an emergency and I’m a part of Hugo’s legacy and making a I’m very grateful for that. difference.
SHAYNA UNTERSLAK TZIPPORAH JOFFE I feel honored and priveleged to be a Hugo’s I wanted to join this amazing organisation Hero as it is an incredible opportunity to be because of how much Hatzolah does for the involved in helping people and saving lives. community and I wanted to give something The course and training were engaging and back. I wanted to know what to do in certain the lecturers were inspiring and passionate. situations so I don’t feel helpless. Hugo’s Heroes has been such an incredible experience and I’m really happy I got to be a part of it.
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